If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it can be a scary experience for you both. Your loved one in thrust into a new environment away from everything he or she has known. You are forced to entrust people you do not know with the care of someone dear to you. It is never easy to leave them, especially when nursing home abuse stories seem to be rampant.
Despite the stories you may hear, many nursing homes are actually safe places with caring staff who do their best to provide your loved one with the right care. However, according to Aging Care, it is a mistake to ignore abuse warning signs or to assume everything is fine. You should stay vigilant and take anything your loved one says seriously.
If it seems something may be happening, it is important to go through the correct channels to report it. Doing this can help prevent a misunderstanding from hurting the home or the worker. However, if you see clear signs of abuse, you can always report it to the county in which the home is located.
If you are not 100 percent sure, though, start by trying to talk to the worker. Explain your concerns and see if the situation improves. For example, a nursing assistant may not realize he or she is being too rough when bathing your mother. The next step, if that does not work, would be to talk to the person in charge on the floor or the home administrator. As a final step, if nothing else seems to stop the issue, you can contact the state ombudsman by writing a letter about your concerns and including any proof you have of the situation. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
