Elderly Abuse: Advice for Prevention

As our loved ones age, there likely comes a time when we must make the tough decision to place them in a nursing home or other assisted-living care facility. While this can be a very emotional and even frightening experience for all persons involved, taking this step is often times essential to the healthcare and well being of those we love. As such, we expect to receive humane and compassionate treatment from these facilities and their caretakers.

Unfortunately, our aging population has a high risk of being victims of elderly abuse or neglect in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. Perhaps it is because the elderly are more physically frail. Perhaps it is because they do not think as clearly as they once did or they have diminished hearing and eyesight. Whatever the circumstance, elder abuse and neglect is wrong and unlawful. These citizens deserve fair and humane treatment, just as we all do.

There are many steps that one can take to help prevent and stop abuse and neglect before it begins. First and foremost, it is vital to research and investigate all we can on our nursing homes or assisted-care facilities. Check to make sure there have been no cases of abuse or complaints lodged against the facility. Be sure to develop a relationship with the facility and the caregivers. Although doing research and investigations is not an absolute guarantee that problems and issues will not arise, there are additional steps you can take to safeguard your loved ones and to further help stop or prevent abuse. Below are a few others, suggested by some of the top ranking elderly abuse attorneys in the country.

Aside from forming a relationship with caregivers, keep an eye on the environment and surroundings. Is the facility clean? Do the patients and residents appear well looked after? Look for bruising, bedsores, broken bones, visible cuts, dehydration and malnutrition. Plan your visits at different times during the day and night so you can see firsthand the treatment that patients are receiving at any given time. Remember that some elderly men and women are often embarrassed or ashamed or even fearful to talk about problems they are encountering and many simply do not have the ability to vocalize their concerns and fears. Do not be hesitant to ask questions to the staff and the caregivers. We simply cannot turn a blind eye to abuse. By doing so, we are sending a message that this behavior is acceptable. The abuse and neglect only continues and in most instances will get worse.

With all of these precautions in place, there are times when it is necessary to attain the services of a nursing home neglect lawyer who specializes in the abuse and neglect of the elderly in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. If you suspect your loved one or other elder residents are being neglected or harmed, you must obtain legal representation, as your loved ones need and deserve protection. By hiring an attorney, you are taking a significant step towards stopping the abuse and protecting the elderly. Nursing homes and assisted-living care facilities were built to house, protect, nurture and provide for our elderly. If abuse and neglect occurs, be it intentional or accidental, these facilities must be held accountable for negligence and must be disciplined. An attorney will work to protect the rights of the abused, neglected and injured, and fight for monetary compensation for the pain and suffering the abuse and neglect has caused.

If other facilities recognize that this behavior is absolutely not acceptable nor tolerated and legal consequences will indeed occur, they are less likely to allow abuse and neglect to occur, or continue, on their premises. Proper steps, such as the hiring of an assisted living care attorney, will help to ensure our elderly loved ones are protected and receive the support and healthcare they are entitled to and deserve.