Caring for our elderly loved ones is an immense responsibility. Placing them in a nursing home is often a difficult but necessary decision. We trust these facilities to provide compassionate and respectful care, but sometimes, this trust is betrayed. Nursing home neglect is a serious issue, and it’s heartbreaking to think that those who are most vulnerable could be taken advantage of. If you suspect that a loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it’s crucial to act swiftly and decisively to protect their well-being.
If you’ve seen the abuse and suspect that a long-term care provider is committing nursing home neglect, report the concerns to your local Adult Protective Services (APS) as soon as possible. The sooner that you log a formal complaint, the sooner the abuse will be addressed. However, this also means that the nursing home will have time to destroy evidence. After reporting the abuse, your next step should be to contact a nursing home neglect lawyer.
Visit your state’s Adult Protective Services website for more information on filing a report.
First Step After Reporting
Contact a lawyer for nursing home neglect as soon as possible. An effective elder abuse lawyer will take immediate steps to investigate. When APS contacts the nursing home regarding the complaint, the clock starts ticking. The nursing home may destroy evidence or alter documents, such as security footage and care charts.
An experienced lawyer will take immediate steps to investigate the situation and safeguard critical evidence. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of your loved one are protected.
How a lawyer can assist:
- Prevent crucial evidence from going missing.
- Conduct an independent investigation to help prove negligence.
- Interview witnesses, including other residents and staff members.
- Run background checks on caregivers to uncover any history of abuse.
- Collect medical records and other relevant documentation.
While the Case is Active
You’ve reported nursing home neglect to your local APS and engaged with a lawyer. What’s next? The experience can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, from anger to distrust. However, it’s important to stay calm and focused during this time. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the situation while the case is active:
- Take a break from social media: The moments after a serious event like this can be challenging to navigate. It’s easy to act on emotion and make a post that you could later regret.
- Visit your loved one regularly: Regular visits allow you to keep an eye on your loved one and monitor any further instances of abuse or neglect. Your presence can provide them with much-needed emotional support and reassurance. However, you may want to avoid discussing case details with them to prevent any additional stress.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies: You may receive a call from the nursing home’s insurance company, and they will probably make you feel at ease. They may try to trick you into discussing details of the case, but you are not obligated to answer.
If you receive a call from the insurance company, follow these steps:
- Be as brief as possible
- Do not discuss the case
- Immediately contact your elder abuse lawyer
Find Justice with an Elder Abuse Lawyer
Taking action against nursing home neglect can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. A compassionate and skilled elder abuse lawyer will guide you through the legal process and work tirelessly to hold the negligent parties accountable. They will ensure that the rights of your loved one are upheld and that those responsible are brought to justice.
If you suspect nursing home neglect, don’t wait. Reach out to a nursing home neglect lawyer who can provide the support and expertise you need during this difficult time. By taking swift action, you can help restore your loved one’s dignity and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.