Imagine the scenario. You make the decision that your mom can no longer take care of herself. The best course of action is to find a great nursing home for them. She gave up a huge portion of her life to take care of you and give you the best start in life, now it’s time to return the favor.
The problem is you have heard terrible stories about nursing home abuse. What can you do to reduce the risk of ever needing to engage the services of a nursing home abuse lawyer? Every year, thousands of senior citizens are victims of abuse and/or neglect. According to stats from the National Centre on Elder Abuse, approximately 44% of all US nursing home residents have been abused or mistreated. Here are 5 steps that can help prevent your loved one from ending up in this situation.
Be Proactive
By establishing a power of attorney before the mental capacity of your loved one is diminished can protect them from financial exploitation. They will be unable to make secret withdrawals or transfer assets without your authority, and anybody trying to exploit money from them will be on a hiding to nothing. This may not have been a route you considered going down but better it’s in place from the outset to make sure nobody takes advantage of them.
Be Present
Visit your loved one/s as often as you can. If you cannot get along, arrange for another family member or friend to pop along and see them. Frequent visitation not only allows you to pick up on any changes quickly, but it also acts as a deterrent for any neglect or abuse. Those who get a kick out of abusing the elderly and vulnerable are going to steer clear of those who have people coming to see them every day or every other day.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
Before signing the dotted line to admit your loved one to a nursing home, get to know both the director and the staff who will be looking after them. Make sure you have a care plan in writing and that you must be informed immediately of any changes in medication. If you should later notice any changes in their condition or temperament it will be easier to talk to the staff about your concerns having got to know them first.
Take Notes
Keep notes about absolutely everything, from the medication they are on to any injuries you have noticed. Have you spotted any changes in their attitude or personality? Is this every time you see them or just as certain times of day when certain staff are present? Take pictures of any injuries you don’t believe to be your everyday knocks and bumps as repeated bruising and injury could be a sign of physical abuse.
Do Your Homework
By doing your research and learning the warning signs of elder abuse you are putting yourself in the best position to help your loved one as quickly as possible. Faced with that difficult situation, you need to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer who will not only help you along the process, but also will fight for the best compensation for you and your loved ones.
Should you suspect abuse is taking place you will know exactly what is the most appropriate action to take depending on the type, and severity, of abuse. These steps are not difficult to put in place and can protect those you love the most from vicious, and often life-changing, abuse.
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