How to Advocate for a Loved One Who May Be Experiencing Nursing Home Abuse

Entrusting another person to care for our loved one requires a lot of trust and faith that all may go well. Assuring that they are treated and cared for appropriately is a huge responsibility and sometimes that requires speaking up for them if their needs aren’t met. As family members, we must advocate for our loved ones to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve. This guide's goal is to provide you with practical steps that will help you advocate for their safety and well-being when abuse may be suspected in a nursing home setting.

Understanding the Importance of Advocacy

To be an advocate for your loved one if they are experiencing nursing home abuse, means standing up for their rights, ensuring they are safe, and pushing for necessary changes. Advocating for nursing home residents matters since most are already in a vulnerable state making it hard for them to advocate for themselves. Advocacy helps reduce the risk of any mistreatment and improve their overall health and care.

When it comes to advocating, sometimes you may run into certain obstacles. Some of these barriers may be the fear of retaliation, institutional resistance to making changes, and your elderly resident having a difficult time speaking out.

Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

According to a Paducah nursing home abuse lawyer, some common different types of abuse to look out for are:

• Physical Abuse: Identifying physical harm can include unexplained injuries, bruising, fractures, or any signs of physical mistreatment.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Common signs of emotional or psychological abuse may include anxiety, withdrawal, depression, and mood or behavior changes.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, weight loss, untreated medical conditions, or bedsores may be a result of neglect.

If you seem to recognize any signs of nursing home abuse, it is important to keep detailed notes of these events. This includes dates, times, detailed descriptions of incidents, and photos of injuries, if any. These details and documentation will be essential in building a case and advocating for your loved one.

How to Approach the Nursing Home Staff and Management

The first thing you should do if you recognize these warning signs of abuse is approach the staff in a calm, non-confrontational manner to address your concerns. Providing specific examples, staying professional, and remaining persistent in your concerns can help you communicate effectively and advocate for your loved one.

Asking the nursing home these questions may clear up any concerns and set certain expectations that you may have:

• "How do you handle staff training on patient care?"
• "What measures are in place to ensure patient safety?"
• "Can you explain the facility’s policies on handling complaints?"

Also, requesting a formal meeting with the nursing home’s administrator or director to express your concerns can help lead you to a resolution for the issues at hand.

When to Escalate the Issue to External Authorities

If internal communication does not accomplish anything it may be necessary to reach out to other authorities. You can report the suspected abuse or neglect to state regulatory agencies, such as the state’s Department of Health or Adult Protective Services (APS).

You can also file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) if the nursing home your loved one resides in received federal funding. This action may initiate an official investigation. There are also state Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs that advocate for residents and help resolve any complaints and concerns about nursing home care.

Seeking Legal Support and Advice

When reaching out to external authorities, sometimes receiving legal support and advice can also be a great asset to have when advocating for your loved one. Nursing home abuse lawyers can help you in filing lawsuits or even seeking a court order for guardianship if the residents are no longer able to protect themselves.

Supporting Your Loved One Emotionally and Physically

During difficult times it is also important to offer emotional support to your loved one who may be experiencing abuse. Showing support can be done by listening without judgment, providing reassurance, and ensuring they feel safe. Also, encouraging the elderly resident to speak up, if possible, about their experience at the nursing home is a good idea as well, ensuring that they do not feel pressured or threatened. Reassuring your loved one that they will not be punished for reporting any abuse will let them know that you are trying to support them and help them.

Preventing Future Abuse: Ensuring Ongoing Advocacy

To prevent any future abuse and ensure the concerns you addressed are being changed for the better by taking regular visits. These can be both scheduled or unannounced in order to observe how care is being provided. You can detect potential problems early and any ongoing issues that are not being addressed.

Also, building a relationship with the nursing home staff can help if there are any concerns that they may need to bring to their management. This will also allow you to establish a positive, professional, and comfortable relationship with staff to discuss and stay informed about your loved one’s care, facility policies, and ongoing issues.

The Role of a Family Caregiver

As family caregivers, our role is to continually advocate for the protection of our loved ones and ensure they receive the care that they deserve. This is a reminder that you are not alone and that there are resources, professionals, and support systems that are available to you. They will help you advocate for your loved one. Take immediate steps if you suspect any abuse by documenting your concerns and seeking the appropriate help that is needed.