Essential Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Injury
The continued aging of the population of the United States means more and more of us will be relying on nursing homes for care in our twilight years. In fact, the latest U.S. census in 2010 reported the highest proportion of our population above 65 in the history of the country. And adult protective services have reported an increase in elder abuse.
Perhaps the scariest statistic of all comes from a New York state study, which found of every known case of elder abuse, 24 cases went unreported.
That’s why it’s vital you stay vigilant and call a nursing home attorney in Chicago if you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse. Until you can talk to a legal professional be sure to take these steps.
Help Your Loved One File a Complaint
Nursing home residents are legally entitled to file a complaint with their nursing home. Staff is legally required to make reasonable accommodations to deal with these complaints.
As mentioned before, nursing home abuse tends to be underreported. Among the reasons for this is that many residents fear retribution from staffers. Your presence will be reassuring to your loved one, who may fear his caretakers. And, if the nursing home is being negligent, you’ll be able to hold them accountable by being an advocate for your loved one.
Look Into New Nursing Homes
It always helps to have options. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you don’t want to be left without a place for your loved one to stay. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides information on finding a caretaker for your loved one. Read their publication on choosing a nursing home.
It isn't always easy or practice with insurance coverage issues and the cost difference between various nursing home. But if there is a continued risk of harm or the risk of retaliation by staff, moving your loved one is an important idea to consider.
Investigate Your Nursing Home
Medicare.gov provides information on all active nursing homes. If you do some digging, you can research the records of various nursing homes, including your own. Understanding their track record can help you decide when it may be time to call a nursing home attorney in Chicago.
If others have made complaints, you should know that. Also, the nature of he complaints is important, too. If they minor, it may not be an issue. On the other hand, it could show a level of carelessness in the running of the business that might be unacceptable to you.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, taking action quickly is essential. From filing a complaint to exploring alternative care options, these steps can help protect their well-being. However, navigating legal matters on your own can be overwhelming.
At the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, we provide experienced legal representation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our team is also here to assist with workers’ compensation cases, car accidents, and slip and fall injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you and your family.
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