How Can I Help Prevent Nursing Home Abuse?

You can help prevent nursing home abuse by:

• Watching for signs of abuse and neglect
• Knowing what increases an elder adult’s risk of abuse
• Reporting any suspected abuse immediately

Loved ones can help protect family members in nursing homes by watching for any abnormal behavior. If a resident has injuries, seems withdrawn, or something else is off, family members can take action.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can also help prevent abuse by supporting caregivers. Nursing homes are often understaffed and underfunded, which increases the risk of abuse. Facilities should do whatever they can to avoid abusive behavior.

Causes of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Before you can prevent abuse, you must know the causes.

Nursing home abuse often results from:

• Poorly-trained staff
• Inexperienced or underpaid staff
• Lack of personalized care
• Shortage of resources
• Neglect

Most nursing homes don’t have enough employees to provide proper care. One nurse might handle between 15-30 patients alone in an understaffed facility. This can easily lead to neglect or frustration towards residents.

Unfortunately, abuse is a massive problem in long-term care settings. But no matter the reason, there is no excuse for the behavior. If a loved one has suffered abuse, you might have a legal case.

At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience handling elder abuse claims. To learn more about your legal options contact us online.

What Facilities Can Do to Prevent Abuse

Nursing homes should pay attention to complaints and address issues. However, the best solutions are often complicated. Long-term care places may have deep-rooted obstacles that take time to address.

If the nursing home isn’t doing anything to prevent abuse, they are liable. Victims can seek justice through civil or criminal cases. Our attorneys can help you bring a personal injury claim to recover damages.

Common grievances against nursing homes include:

• Poor food quality
• Slow response times to phone calls
• Not enough social interaction for residents

These can be signs of neglect. Residents might not get enough personalized attention, leading to harm or abuse. If abuse has occurred, family members can take legal action.

Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help. We know how to build strong injury claims for victims and their families. We’ll also protect you so that the business or insurance company doesn’t take advantage.

Learn more about your rights during a free consultation.

How You Can Report Nursing Home Abuse

To report someone’s abuse in a long-term facility, you can call the Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR). The HFR is a division of the Georgia Department of Community Health.

You can also:

• Contact the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services
• Call the Long-term Care Ombudsman
• Speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer

If you suspect an elder is being abused or neglected, don’t wait. The situation could escalate quickly, and it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible.

Other Ways to Prevent Abuse

Elder abuse is clearly a problem in the U.S. Here are some other ways our society can help to reduce the instances of abuse.

Advance Planning

It’s best for older adults to plan ahead for aging. That way, the adult can communicate their wishes in case they become unable to later.

Advance planning can mean:

• Advance directives
• Living wills
• Power of attorney

Planning these details can help prevent elder exploitation, especially from a financial standpoint.

Understanding Ageism

Society has prejudices against aging populations. People might see older adults or disabled individuals as “less-than” or unable to know what’s best for them. These misconceptions can lead to abuse in care settings.

Raising Awareness

Family members should understand the risks of neglect or abuse in nursing homes and other care settings. Communities can help each other by raising awareness.

Public awareness helps shine a light on the problems in long-term care homes. When more people are talking about the issues, it helps us work towards change. Awareness can also include learning about elder rights and laws regarding nursing home requirements.

Running Background Checks

Facilities and individuals should be aware of caregiver backgrounds. We can help present abuse by screening healthcare workers and nursing home staff.

If a nursing home fails to screen an employee, the home can be responsible for the abuse. Talk to a lawyer today if you suspect abuse from an employee or healthcare worker.

Keeping in Touch

Loved ones can stay aware by remaining in the elder’s life. Elderly loved ones need attention, care, and companionship just like the rest of us. Checking in and regularly visiting can help you notice if any abuse or neglect is happening.

Talking to an Attorney

It’s difficult for family members to understand the laws regarding abuse. If you think a loved one might be a victim, don’t wait to speak with a lawyer.

An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can review the details and explain the laws. It’s best to work with a professional as soon as you can. Your attorney can help you know what to do first.

An attorney can also investigate the nursing home and family members’ claims. Then, they can help you build a strong legal case for the justice you all deserve.

Speak with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

After possible nursing home abuse, call John Foy & Associates. The consultation is free, and there is no charge unless we win your case.

Contact us online for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.