How to Protect Your Loved One From Nursing Home Abuse: Tips from a Cincinnati Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

When placing a loved one in a nursing home, the expectation is that they will receive the care, respect, and support they need to live comfortably. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes provide the high standard of care that residents deserve. Nursing home abuse and neglect are real concerns, and families must take proactive steps to protect their loved ones. If you’re searching for a Cincinnati nursing home injury lawyer, it may be because you have concerns about the treatment your loved one is receiving. At Bey & Associates, we want to empower families with the knowledge they need to prevent nursing home abuse before it occurs.

In this post, we’ll cover several tips on how you can protect your loved one from nursing home abuse and ensure they receive the quality of care they deserve.

1. Choose the Right Nursing Home

The first step in protecting your loved one is selecting a reputable nursing home. Conduct thorough research before making a decision. Here are some key actions to take when choosing a nursing facility:

• Visit Multiple Facilities: Tour several nursing homes to compare their level of cleanliness, the demeanor of the staff, and the overall atmosphere. Look for signs that indicate good quality care, such as attentive staff and engaged residents.
• Check for Licenses and Certifications: Make sure the nursing home is properly licensed and certified. You can often verify this information through state or federal regulatory agencies.
• Read Reviews and Ratings: Look for reviews and ratings from families and organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS provides a Nursing Home Compare tool that allows you to view quality ratings for nursing homes based on health inspections, staffing, and other quality measures.

2. Visit Frequently and Stay Involved

One of the most effective ways to protect your loved one from abuse or neglect is to visit them frequently and stay actively involved in their care. Regular visits send a clear message to the staff that you are paying attention and that you care about the quality of care your loved one receives. During your visits:

• Observe Interactions: Watch how the staff interacts with residents. Are they kind, patient, and respectful? Do they take time to address residents’ needs?
• Look for Signs of Abuse or Neglect: Be aware of potential signs of abuse or neglect, such as unexplained bruises, bedsores, dehydration, poor hygiene, or sudden changes in mood or behavior.
• Communicate with Staff: Establish good communication with the caregivers. Ask questions about your loved one’s condition, activities, and any changes in their care. Being proactive and involved helps ensure that the staff is attentive to your loved one’s needs.

3. Know the Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Understanding the warning signs of abuse and neglect is crucial for identifying problems early on. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures. Sudden changes in behavior, such as flinching or withdrawing from touch, can also indicate physical abuse.
• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse can be harder to detect, but it often results in mood swings, depression, anxiety, or fear of certain staff members.
• Neglect: Signs of neglect include bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition, dirty bedding or clothing, and poor personal hygiene.
• Financial Exploitation: Missing personal items, unusual bank transactions, or sudden changes in financial accounts may indicate financial abuse.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act immediately. Report your concerns to the facility’s management and consider contacting a Cincinnati nursing home injury lawyer to understand your legal options.

4. Know Your Loved One’s Rights

Nursing home residents have specific rights that are protected under federal and state laws. These rights include:

• The Right to Be Treated with Dignity and Respect: Residents have the right to receive proper care without discrimination or abuse.
• The Right to Be Informed: Residents and their families have the right to be informed about care plans, medications, and changes in health status.
• The Right to Complain: Residents have the right to voice complaints without fear of retaliation.

Understanding these rights is essential for ensuring that your loved one receives the care they are entitled to. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care provides helpful information about residents’ rights and how to advocate for your loved one.

5. Report Abuse or Neglect Immediately

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, it is important to take immediate action. You can report your concerns to the nursing home administrator, and if the issue is not resolved, contact the Ohio Department of Health. Reporting abuse can help protect not only your loved one but also other residents who may be experiencing similar treatment.

Additionally, consulting with a Cincinnati nursing home injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. At Bey & Associates, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions.

6. Advocate for Quality Care

Advocating for quality care is one of the best ways to protect your loved one. Here are some ways you can advocate effectively:

• Participate in Care Plan Meetings: Nursing homes are required to hold care plan meetings for each resident. Attend these meetings and provide input on your loved one’s care.
• Join the Family Council: Many nursing homes have family councils that work together to advocate for improvements in the facility. Participating in the family council can give you a stronger voice when addressing issues.
• Be Proactive About Their Health: Keep an eye on your loved one’s medical needs, such as medication management, physical therapy, and dietary requirements. Make sure they receive the medical attention they need.

Contact Bey & Associates for Help

If you believe that your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home in Cincinnati, it’s important to take action to protect them. At Bey & Associates, we are dedicated to helping families seek justice for nursing home abuse and neglect. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process and work to ensure that your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you protect your loved one and hold negligent nursing homes accountable. Your loved one’s safety and well-being are our top priority.