Elder abuse is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances. There is never a time when it is okay to abuse an elderly person. Most of the nursing homes across the country are safe facilities that treat their patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. However, there are outliers that fall short of the standards of care they are expected to provide to patients. If you’re wondering what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s important to take action immediately by reporting concerns, seeking legal advice, and ensuring the safety of your loved one.
If you believe your loved one is enduring abuse in a nursing home, it is critical to take action right away. Here’s what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse.
Speak With Your Loved One
Ask your family member if he or she was harmed, feels threatened, or is experiencing abuse in other ways. Be sure to trust your gut if you feel something is wrong because your loved one may not feel comfortable disclosing such information.
Speak With the Nursing Home Officials
Talk to the nursing home administrators about your concerns. Ask what can be done so that you are sure your loved one is safe and well taken care of. Most facilities have a grievance resolution process that you can adhere to.
Be sure to follow up with management if you do not get any answers. If they take no action, you have the right to report suspected nursing home abuse to official government agencies. If your family member is in immediate danger, contact the police.
Understand Your Loved One’s Rights
As a nursing home resident, your loved one has rights, including:
- Dignity and respect,
- Management of their own money,
- Information about their medical condition,
- An environment similar to a home,
- Information about services and fees,
- Privacy,
- Deciding their schedule, and
- Safety and absence of fear,
If you believe your family member’s rights are being violated, it’s crucial to know how to report nursing home abuse. In Missouri, report your concerns immediately to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You can reach their Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 to ensure a prompt investigation and safeguard the well-being of your loved one.
Keep an Extensive Record
It’s a good idea to take photos of any injuries sustained, retain medical documentation, and other information related to the abuse. Also, be sure to write everything down. Maintain a journal of your concerns, like events or irregularities that make you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Speak With an Attorney
A skilled nursing home abuse attorney will be able to help you investigate the abuse and determine what actions should be taken. Your loved one may be owed compensation for the atrocities endured, and an experienced lawyer will do everything possible to make sure your family recovers what is rightfully owed.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms and often extends beyond physical harm. It includes emotional abuse, neglect, and even financial exploitation.
Physical abuse might involve rough handling, improper use of restraints, or unexplained injuries, while emotional abuse can manifest as verbal degradation, isolation, or intimidation.
Nursing home neglect, one of the most common forms of abuse, occurs when a facility fails to provide necessary care—such as adequate food, hygiene, or medical attention—resulting in harm to a resident’s health and dignity.
Financial exploitation may involve unauthorized use of a resident’s funds or assets, often leaving vulnerable elders with little to support themselves.
Understanding these various forms of abuse is crucial for families and loved ones. When a nursing home falls short of the expected standards of care, it is not just a failure in service—it is a breach of the trust placed in these facilities.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. Recognizing the full spectrum of nursing home abuse helps you stay vigilant and ensures that you know when to take action to protect a loved one.
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Identifying potential abuse in a nursing home requires attention to both subtle and overt signals.
Some indicators might be immediately noticeable, while others require a closer look at everyday interactions and changes in behavior.
Look for signs of nursing home abuse, such as unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries that the resident cannot explain. Be aware of rapid physical or cognitive decline, which could indicate neglect in providing necessary care.
Changes in mood or behavior—such as increased withdrawal, fearfulness, or depression—can also be significant. Has your family member suddenly lost interest in their favorite hobbies? Are they acting differently or scared around certain staff members?
These emotional shifts might suggest that the resident is experiencing verbal or emotional abuse or mistreatment.
Additionally, monitor the condition of the living environment. A sudden decline in cleanliness, lack of proper hygiene, or instances of missing personal belongings may point to neglect or financial exploitation. It is also important to note any inconsistencies in the care provided, like missed medication doses or inadequate medical attention during times of obvious need.
By keeping a careful watch for these signs, you can detect potential problems early. Maintaining open communication with your loved one is essential, as they might be hesitant to share their experiences due to fear or embarrassment. Documenting these observations in detail can make a significant difference if legal action becomes necessary.
Legal Options and the Role of a Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect nursing home abuse, act promptly by consulting with a trusted attorney who can help you determine what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse. Your commitment to your loved one’s safety deserves an equally committed legal advocate who will fight to protect their rights and dignity. A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can help you navigate the complex process of investigating and addressing these issues.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping families hold negligent facilities accountable. Our approach is always thorough and compassionate; we take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a strategy that addresses immediate safety concerns and long-term needs.
If your loved one is suffering abuse in a nursing home, we want to help. Don’t delay—reach out to our office right away with your questions.
Call Dempsey Kingsland Osteen today at (816) 484-3776 or reach out to us online for a free consultation regarding your case.
Loading...