Jump to navigation Jump to content

Preventing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

As a concerned family member, you most likely took your time in choosing the right nursing home for your loved one. Even if you took great lengths to ensure that the nursing home you chose was the correct fit before making your decision, you still need to check on your loved one regularly. Elder abuse can occur even at the best facilities. By visiting your elderly family member, you can look for signs of abuse and neglect and take action, if necessary.

Nursing home abuse and neglect can be extremely damaging for the elderly residents and could lead to life-threatening situations. Elder abuse can result in malnutrition, dehydration, unmet needs, bed sores, depression and even death. There are signs that you can watch out for that would indicate nursing home neglect or abuse, which include the following:

• Bruising
• Poor hygiene
• Weight loss
• Scratches or lacerations
• Drowsiness
• Unsanitary living conditions

Visiting the Nursing Home
When you make regular visits to the nursing home facility, not only will you be able to identify any signs of abuse, but it will also be apparent to the nursing home staff that you are actively involved, which can help minimize the risk of neglect or abuse. Your frequent visits will keep the nursing home staff on alert, which will consequently cause them to give your loved one more attention. They understand that a resident’s family member who visits often, will be more apt to file a complaint against the facility if nursing home abuse or neglect is suspected. The supervisors and employees do not want to risk being reported to authorities.

Communicating with the Nursing Home Staff
Take the time to talk with the staff during your nursing home visits. The nursing home staff will be able to give you updates on the health and wellbeing of your elderly family member and you can also share your concerns, if any. As you begin to build a relationship with the nursing home staff, you will be able to become an advocate for your loved one. The ultimate goal of building rapport with the nursing home staff is obtaining even better care for your family member.

If you suspect that your elderly family member is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in a Virginia nursing home facility, contact Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. today at (800) 690-0235. We are experienced Virginia nursing home abuse lawyers who help protect the rights of the elderly living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com