How To Prevent Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Placing elderly loved ones in nursing homes or assisted living facilities is never easy, and family members often experience guilt for making the decision. 

When you entrust your family member’s care to a facility, you expect that they will receive the care and assistance they need. Unfortunately, the elderly can experience abuse and neglect in a nursing home, and the perpetrators are often the same people responsible for their care. 

Ultimately, elder abuse in nursing homes may result in a senior’s injury, permanent disability and emotional distress. Physical injuries and neglect can also worsen existing health problems or, in worst cases, lead to premature death. 

If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home, there are practical steps you can take to help protect them from this pain and suffering that they should not have to experience. 

Preventing elder abuse in nursing homes can be difficult, especially if you are unable to visit your loved one regularly. However, these pointers can help keep them safe from abusive situations before they even occur. 

1. Conduct Thorough Research Before Choosing a Facility

One of the most effective ways to protect an elderly family member from abuse is to place them in a facility you’ve thoughtfully and fully vetted. Beyond looking for a nursing home that fits your budget and meets the needs of your loved one, it is also crucial to find one with positive ratings. 

The first place to look would be at the governing bodies’ websites – including Medicare and the State Department of Public Health. Review facility star ratings, staffing information, and inspection and complaint investigation reports.

Search for reviews left by family members of past and current residents online. Read about their testimonies on the facility’s quality of service to help you make an informed decision regarding your loved one’s care.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to ensure the facility you’re eyeing has the following:

• Well-trained and respectful staff
• Elder abuse prevention procedures
• Procedures for reporting and disciplining elder abuse committed by employees

There is no way to eradicate the threat of elder abuse completely. However, carefully vetting a facility is one way to ensure your loved one receives the care and treatment they deserve. 

2. Stay Connected with Your Loved One

Staying connected with your loved one in person or online can make all the difference when it comes to preventing elder abuse. Frequent contact, even through video calls, allows you to not only ensure they are well, but will also allow you to catch signs of abuse or neglect. 

If your situation accommodates it, catch up with them in person. Visiting your elderly loved one is the easiest and most effective way to check on their well-being and catch any changes in their physical appearance, mood, or behavior. Your physical presence may also make it easier for them to speak up about possible abuse. 

3. Know the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

An essential part of learning how to prevent elder abuse in nursing homes is understanding the signs.

Signs of physical abuse typically include cuts, bruises, burns, broken bones and torn clothing. Meanwhile, emotional or psychological abuse indicators may not be directly visible, making them more challenging to detect. 

Some of the most common signs of emotional abuse among elderly people include: 

• Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior and mood
• Agitation or irritability
• Lack of responsiveness
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns
• Fear or anxiety
• Depression

Neglect is another alarming type of elder abuse in nursing homes that can take many forms, such as:

• Poor or unsanitary living conditions
• Untreated bed sores
• Insufficient nutrition and access to food
• Failure to provide medical care when needed
• Leaving a resident with mobility issues in their room or in public unattended for hours

4. Monitor Your Loved One’s Finances

Abusive caregivers can also take advantage of residents financially. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your loved one is being subject to financial abuse: 

• Unexplained or unknown financial transactions
• Unexplained ATM withdrawals
• Changes to a will or other legal documents
• Forged signatures on checks and other official documents

Monitoring their accounts regularly for any suspicious activity puts you in the best position to catch financial abuse promptly and hold abusers responsible.

5. Encourage Them to Join Social Events

Isolation makes the elderly an ideal target for abusive caregivers. As such, it is a good idea to encourage your loved one to participate in social activities and form friendships with others, especially if they are capable of doing so.

Potential perpetrators are less likely to target seniors surrounded by individuals who regularly check on and advocate for their well-being. Established relationships also give them a confidant to turn to should any abuse occur.

Risk Factors for Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified several risk factors that increase the chances of elder abuse occurring in a nursing home. Some of these risk factors include:

• Cognitive impairment
• Functional dependence
• Current or previous substance abuse
• Poor physical health

Isolation, receiving care from poorly trained caregivers, and a lack of active personal relationships are other elements that increase the likelihood of elder abuse. Entering a nursing home can also make an elderly person’s social support system fade over time, making abuse intervention more challenging.

When planning for your loved one’s care, considering these risk factors is crucial in learning how to prevent elder abuse in nursing homes. 

What To Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse

Nursing homes generally have a grievance process that allows you to file complaints. This grievance process requires them to investigate your complaint and provide you with a written report of its results, including any corrective action they’ll take to resolve your grievance. 

If this does not address your concern, consider removing your loved one from the abusive setting and addressing their physical and emotional needs first. You can also report the abuse to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO), Adult Protective Services (APS), or the Department of Public Health.

OSLTCO advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, APS receives and investigates reports of elder abuse and neglect, and the Department of Public Health regulates health care facilities. 

Ultimately, you can also seek help from elder abuse lawyers. Filing an elder abuse lawsuit can help you gain the compensation your elderly loved one needs and deserves for their medical bills, relocation, therapy, and other losses suffered. 

Holm Law Group Fights For Your Elderly Loved One’s Rights

If you have discovered that an elderly family member has been or is being abused in their nursing home, do not delay seeking help. The elder abuse attorneys at Holm Law Group are ready to fight for the rights of those who have fallen victim to elder abuse or neglect, even if it means bringing lawsuits against large nursing home facilities. 

Elder abuse is devastating for victims and their loved ones, but it is not a battle you have to fight alone. Let our experienced lawyers assess your situation and guide you through the next steps. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.