Mention abuse, and most people will instinctively think of physical violence, often portrayed by men against children. However, abuse comes in a wide array of forms. Although many people still find it hard to accept, there have been many incidents of women abusing men.
Abuse also covers psychological attacks. These can be much worse than a physical attack. However, there are no scars, meaning people often take this type of abuse less seriously.
This is not a minor issue. According to the latest estimates, as many as 10% of Americans over 60 will experience abuse. That figure is for people living at home. It rises to 16% for people over 60 and in a nursing home.
Whether you’re considering putting a loved one into a nursing home or already have someone in a home, you’ll want to know the most effective way to prevent abuse in nursing homes.
Get A Lawyer
Before placing anyone in a nursing home, it’s a good idea to hire a nursing home neglect lawyer. In the first instance, the lawyer will check over the paperwork to ensure all clients are treated fairly.
More importantly, if you do suspect any form of abuse, the lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to rectify the issue and bring those responsible to justice.
In the same way that a personal injury lawyer can maximize compensation, a dedicated nursing home neglect lawyer can ensure that any abuse is stopped and those responsible are brought to justice.
This is particularly important when dealing with seniors who may no longer feel able to speak up for themselves.
A good lawyer can be your first point of contact, allowing you to discuss the available options and make the best decision possible.
Talk To Your Loved One
It’s not unusual for people to feel they won’t be heard if they speak up. That’s why it’s essential to talk to them regularly and tell them you believe them and can help them.
It starts with simply listening. Abuse victims tend to become quieter and will often withdraw into themselves.
Allowing them to talk may be enough for them to share their abuse story. If not, you may be able to notice the change in their behavior. They’ll become more fearful, especially around certain people.
Notice their behavioral changes, especially when they revolve around one person, is a clear sign that they need your help.
Of course, you should also be vigilant for unexplained bruises, cuts, and other injuries.
Check Qualifications
While there are no guarantees, elders are less likely to be abused in nursing homes that use correctly qualified staff. Many people think about asking about staff qualifications before they sign a loved one up to a home.
However, they generally don’t think to check the qualifications after their loved one has moved in. This is an important part of keeping your loved one safe. Periodically ask about the qualification status of all employees.
A decent nursing home should be happy to show their employee qualifications, training records, and answer any and all questions you have. If they can’t do that, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Verify Assessments
A good nursing home conducts regular staff assessments to ensure that the staff is properly qualified and handling the patients properly.
Verifying these assessments means confirming the home has done them and that they appear to be genuine.
Report Your Concerns
If your loved one has confided in you or you’re convinced they are being abused, then it’s time to get some help. In most cases, going to the manager isn’t an option. It’s likely to put your loved one in a difficult position, and you may find the abuse intensifies.
If you feel that reporting the issues to the manager is the best course of action, you need to remove your loved one and keep them in what is effectively a safe house. This should encourage them to open up more.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the management, you need to get your loved one to the safe house and then report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Every state has a designated agency, referred to as the Adult Protective Services. This is where you can file a complaint. The agency will listen, discuss the issues, and investigate further as and when necessary.
The agency will even help you find somewhere safe to live.
Summing Up
The easiest way to prevent a bus in nursing homes is to be vigilant. You need to be aware of how staff and loved ones should behave and when they are behaving differently.
When this happens, you should consider it your first warning. Immediately consider how you will remove your moved one from the nursing home. Once that’s done, you can report the matter and/or discuss it with the nursing home.
Don’t give up. You can bring about change, which will benefit your loved one and countless others.
