When your family places a loved one in a nursing care facility, you do so with the expectation that he or she will receive quality care. It can be devastating to learn that your loved one may be experiencing care that does not meet appropriate standards, and in fact, he or she may be experiencing abuse or neglect. If you suspect this is happening, it is in your interests to take immediate steps to learn how you can advocate for your Maryland loved ones and seek justice.
Once there is evidence of mistreatment of your loved one by a nursing facility, it is time to take action. It will be in the interests of your family to enlist the services of a legal professional who can assist you in your effort to hold responsible parties accountable and seek justice. You do not have to remain silent if you believe that a family member is experiencing any type of negative treatment or lack of care.
Signs of a problem
It is important to be able to recognize signs of a problem and to know when to act. Individuals who require nursing care may be unable or unwilling to speak for themselves and explain what is happening. They may also feel confusion or even shame, which can prevent them from speaking out. In some cases, the perpetrator may threaten them so that they remain silent. Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect to look for include the following:
- Your loved one has bed sores from lack of movement.
- You notice weight loss or signs of dehydration.
- There is a lack of hygiene and assistance with daily needs.
- Your loved one is withdrawn, confused or depressed.
- You notice unexplained bruises or injuries.
- There are personal items missing from your loved one’s room.
- He or she has not been receiving medication as prescribed.
Any ongoing recurrence of these signs and other problems may indicate abuse or neglect. It is critical that you take the situation seriously, taking steps to get your loved one in a safe environment as soon as possible and learning about your legal options. It may be within your rights to act on his or her behalf, seeking compensation from the parties that either caused harm to your loved one or played a role in what happened to him or her.
