What to Do if You Suspect Abuse in a Nursing Home
Nursing home abuse and neglect isn’t necessarily easy to spot. How do you know if a bruise on your loved one was from an accident or because of abuse? How do you know if an infection is something caused by neglect or abuse versus something that occurred despite proper attention? And how do you talk to your loved one about the possibility of abuse? If you suspect abuse, who do you report it to in Florida?
Steve Watrel, The Nursing Home Abuse Expert®, has the legal experience and team you need to ensure that your loved one is protected and compensated for the abuse or neglect they experienced while the nursing home is held accountable. We’ve protected the most vulnerable of our population for over 30 years. To schedule a consultation, call us now at (904) 747-9672.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Like other forms of abuse, nursing home abuse is broad. It can be physical, verbal, sexual, or financial. Sadly, it can be a combination of more than one form of abuse. Unfortunately, because of the vulnerable nature of an individual who resides in a nursing home, they may not be open with their loved ones about what’s happening to them out of fear for their own safety.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect may appear a bit more subtle in nature, but it is still a danger to your loved one. Not ensuring that your loved one is properly bathed, has properly cleaned wounds, doesn’t receive their medication or is over medicated, receives proper medical attention for their conditions, or is turned regularly if they are bed-bound are examples of neglect. Your loved one may not recognize they’re being neglected or they may be unable to tell you what’s happening to them.
How to Talk to Your Loved One about Suspected Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Before you talk to your loved one about suspected nursing home neglect or abuse, understand that while this is a topic that causes you a lot of anger and sadness, that you must remain calm and non-confrontational.
Recognize that your loved one may not know that they’re experiencing abuse or neglect. They may also be fearful of retaliation. Ask them, gently, about injuries that you see or certain behaviors that they are exhibiting.
Listen carefully and reassure your loved one that you will do everything you can. Let them know that you believe and support them.
Who Do You Report Nursing Home Abuse to in Florida?
Keep a record of what you know and what you find. This may include pictures of injuries, if applicable, or a journal with dates of conversation with your loved one of what happened. The more details you can get, the better. You may have several options for reporting nursing home abuse in Florida depending on the type of abuse and who performed the alleged abuse. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Steve Watrel, The Nursing Home Abuse Expert®. We can help you determine the right next steps.
Learn More about Florida Nursing Home Abuse
For more than three decades, Steve Watrel, The Nursing Home Abuse Expert® has helped families protect their loved ones from nursing home abuse in Florida. Let us help you understand your options. Call us now at (904) 747-9672 to schedule your consultation. Put our experience to work for you.
