When you place a loved one in a Maryland elder care facility, you expect that this person is in a safe place. However, it isn’t uncommon for nursing home residents to experience physical, emotional and other forms of abuse at the hands of their caregivers. Take a look at what you should do if you suspect that your spouse, parent or grandparent is being harmed.
Gather as much evidence as you can
Taking pictures of your family member’s room may provide clues that this person is being abused. For instance, they may show a living space that hasn’t been cleaned in several days or weeks. If your loved one looks frail or disheveled, it may be a sign that he or she hasn’t been fed or bathed on a regular basis. It could also indicate that this person hasn’t been receiving important medications as needed.
Make an unannounced visit to the facility
A quality care facility will be more than happy to see you whenever you happen to show up. However, staff members who are engaged in abuse, fraud or other bad acts will shudder at seeing you when they least expect it.
Talk to your loved one
Even if your loved one is showing signs of a mental decline, it’s important to listen to what that individual has to say. It is also a good idea to look at that person’s body language while speaking. If your family member appears scared, nervous or withdrawn, it could be a sign of nursing home abuse.
If you believe that a loved one has been abused by nursing home staff, it might be worthwhile to take legal action. It may be possible to obtain compensation for pain and suffering, actual losses and other damages. An attorney may be able to help you prove that an elder care facility was negligent in allowing your parent or grandparent to experience various forms of mistreatment.
