4 Steps to Take After Witnessing Nursing Home Abuse

April 12, 2023 Insights

 

nursing home

Nursing home abuse is quite a serious problem in the United States, and bearing witness to such a scenario can be a difficult and traumatizing experience. If you believe a loved one is being abused, it is important to take action. This article will provide information on what to do when you witness nursing home abuse.

Continue reading to learn more.

1) Know the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse

There are four main types of nursing home abuse: physical, psychological, financial, and sexual. Here’s a point-by-point explanation of each of them:

  • Physical Abuse. Physical abuse is when a caregiver causes physical harm to a resident. This can include hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking, burning, or otherwise causing physical pain or injury.
  • Psychological Abuse. Financial abuse is when a caregiver misuses a resident’s money or property. This can include stealing money, forging checks, or otherwise illegally taking advantage of a resident’s finances.
  • Financial Abuse. Financial abuse is when a caregiver misuses a resident’s money or property. This can include stealing money, forging checks, or otherwise illegally taking advantage of a resident’s finances.
  • Sexual Abuse. Sexual abuse is when a caregiver coerces or forces a resident to engage in sexual activity. This can include rape, sexual assault, or any other non-consensual sexual contact.

2) Report the Incident to the Staff

After identifying the type of nursing home abuse, report the incident to the nursing home staff. The staff should take the report seriously and conduct a thorough investigation. They will likely want to question the resident, the caregiver, and any eyewitnesses. They should also look at any surveillance footage that may be available.

The results of the investigation will likely be one of two things. Either the investigation will clear the caregiver, or it will confirm the abuse. If the abuse is confirmed, the staff will take appropriate action to address the situation.

3) Bring Home Your Elderly Loved One

If your elderly loved one is a nursing home abuse victim, there’s a high chance that they will be uncomfortable staying in the same place. Bring them home, as this will remove them from the abusive situation and allow them to heal in a safe environment.

While bringing your elderly loved one home may not be possible in every situation, it is an ideal solution. Consider hiring a home health aide to help take care of your loved one when necessary.

4) Get a Nursing Home Lawyer Involved

If you believe that your elderly loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, it’s important to get a lawyer involved. A nursing home lawyer can help you put together and file a lawsuit against the nursing home.

An experienced attorney can also help you get the compensation your loved one deserves, as well as keep your loved one’s legal rights intact. Nursing home abuse litigation can be tricky to navigate, so explore the process with your wits.

Conclusion

Nursing home abuse is quite a serious problem to undergo and witness. If you believe or suspect that your loved one is a nursing home abuse victim, it’s important to take action and get your loved one the assistance they need.

Looking for a nursing home abuse firm? Circeo Law Firm and our award-winning Kentucky injury attorneys will aggressively advocate for justice if you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence. Get a free consultation today.