Protecting loved ones from nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania
Knowing what to watch out for and taking immediate action if they suspect mistreatment can help people protect their loved ones from nursing home abuse.
Many people in Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, have loved ones who reside in nursing homes. All too often, some of society’s most vulnerable members are abused or neglected in such facilities. The News Eagle reports that in 2013 alone, there were close to 20,900 elder abuse claims reported. It is estimated that five cases of elder abuse go unreported for every one case that is. There are steps that people can take, however, to help protect their loved ones from such mistreatment.
What is nursing home abuse?
Elder abuse and neglect can take on many forms. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, actions that cause mental anguish, pain or injury are considered abuse. This could include physical assaults, as well as intimidation, punishments, unnecessary confinement, sexual harassment or rape. Should caregivers or facilities fail to provide residents with the services, care and goods they need to avoid threats to their mental or physical health, it is considered neglect.
Common signs of elder abuse
Some physical signs of nursing home abuse, such as bumps, bruises, scrapes and broken bones, are easily identified. Other signs, however, may be less obvious. Some of the most common signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home include the following:
- Poor hygiene
- Bedsores
- Abnormal weight loss
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities
- Unusual onset of depression
- Sudden changes in alertness levels
Understanding what signs to look for may allow people to take immediate action if they suspect a loved one is being abused in his or her nursing home. This will help them protect their family member or friend from suffering ongoing mistreatment, or escalating abuse.
Keep a random visiting schedule
People like to follow routines. As such, many visit their loved ones at the same time and on the same day each week or month. By changing up the times and days that they visit, however, people make it more difficult for the nursing home staff to hide injuries and other signs of abuse.
Check the facility’s record
Skilled nursing homes that accept Medicare insurance must be inspected annually. A record of these inspections is available on the Medicare website. Prior to admitting a family member into this type of facility, people should check these records to get a picture of the quality of care that the nursing homes offer. This will help them choose a facility that provides the type of care they expect their loved one to receive.
Reporting suspected abuse or neglect
If people suspect that a family member is the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, they should immediately report their concerns. In cases when there is no immediate danger, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends first speaking with the nursing home’s administrator or director. Should the administrator fail to take action, people may contact the Agency on Aging in their area, or the state’s Department of Health. When a loved one is in imminent danger, or the situation requires immediate attention, then people should contact law enforcement.
Seeking legal guidance
For those who suffer nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania, there are often mental or physical effects. Whether an injury is suffered, a medical condition is made worse or a mental ailment is developed, people may require additional treatment and care as a result of these effects. In these cases, the person who committed the abuse or the facility where it occurred may be held liable. Working with an attorney may help those who have experienced situations such as this to understand their rights and options for seeking compensation.
Keywords: nursing home, abuse, neglect, injury