Anyone can report nursing home care abuse to the proper authorities. Depending on the situation and the state in which the nursing home is located, you may need to report the situation to government authorities or private organizations at the local, state, or federal level to properly document the case of nursing home neglect or abuse.
Reporting Neglect
You don’t have to be an expert in the medical field or nursing home care to be able to spot elder abuse. Anyone can see a dangerous situation at a nursing home and consider whether abuse or neglect may have caused it.
However, you will not have the final say on whether abuse has occurred at the nursing home. Rather, you are just reporting the incident, which allows the authorities to do an investigation.
Family Members
As a family member of a nursing home resident, you are in a unique position to spot potential abuse. You may see your loved one regularly, so you can spot changes in mood or physical appearance that may be related to abuse.
Visitors to the Facility
Someone who only comes to the facility on an occasional basis may spot an act of abuse during a visit. A visitor can include a volunteer at the facility, a friend, or a clergyperson.
Medical Personnel
Doctors and nurses have the ability to spot potential signs of elder abuse. In fact, they are among the best people to recognize abuse. Therapists and rehab personnel may also be able to spot signs of abuse.
Nursing Home Employees
Although it can be difficult for people to report on their co-workers, nursing home employees can serve as some of the best advocates for nursing home residents in trouble.
Residents at the Facility
Residents know better than anyone how often they should bathe and when to receive medications. They can document when these things do not occur on time or when the staff has made a significant error, and report the situation to the proper authorities.
Protecting the Lives of Nursing Home Residents
Remember that some residents of a nursing home do not have the physical or mental capability to protect themselves from abusive staff. The residents may not understand that they are in a dangerous situation. They may be scared of certain staff members, leaving them unwilling to report items on their own. However, anyone aware of the situation can report nursing home abuse.
You may find that after reporting an incident of abuse, the nursing home will ignore your concerns. You may want to seek the help of a lawyer that has worked with nursing home cases in the past to protect your loved one’s interests. With Pintas & Mullins Law Firm on your side, we can investigate the case and help you determine how to proceed. Call us today at (800) 842-6336 for a free consultation.