When you decide to move a loved one into a nursing home, you do so with the expectation that they will be better cared for there than if they were to stay home. But what should you do when you suspect nursing home abuse? A Butte nursing home abuse lawyer with Everett Cook Law is committed to helping you understand your situation and decide your next steps.
Identifying Nursing Home Abuse
There is no single indicator of nursing home abuse, and many times, you must consider red flags in their larger context. However, even if you don’t feel you have enough evidence, you should report any concerns you have. Some of the signs of abuse can include:
- Bruises and lacerations without an explanation
- Sickness that will not go away
- Bed sores
- Poor hygiene
- Depression or anxiety
- Sudden mood swings
- Sudden aversion to a specific place or person
Additionally, if your loved one has complaints about a particular staff member or resident, it may be worth asking about. It can be easy to brush things off, especially if your loved one is dealing with cognitive decline, but in some cases, this can leave them in a dangerous situation.
Reporting Your Concerns of Nursing Home Abuse
As soon as you have concerns about abuse in or at the hands of your loved one’s nursing home, you have a few options to take action for non-emergent situations. If you suspect an immediate threat to someone’s safety or well-being, call 911.
The Nursing Facility
We often advise clients to report concerns to the facility first. You should have a point of contact that you can reach out to. Keep a written record of your report, including any evidence you’ve gathered, and ask them to follow up with their plan to address the issues.
Long Term Care Ombudsman
The Montana Long Term Care Ombudsman program is meant to help residents understand and protect their rights while living in a long-term care facility. They can often help you resolve concerns and complaints with the nursing facility and get APS involved if necessary.
Adult Protective Services
If the facility is not receptive or fails to address your concerns promptly, you may consider filing a report with Montana Adult Protective Services(APS). They will review your report and may begin an investigation into the situation and facility. You can file a complaint online or visit their website to identify the appropriate office to call.
Knowing The Next Steps
If you have contacted the facility and they failed to take the appropriate steps to protect your loved one and correct the issue, it may be time to contact an attorney. You may do this in addition to contacting APS, as they serve two different purposes.
When you file a report with APS and they investigate, the facility and individuals may face corrective actions, sanctions, or even criminal charges. However, these actions do little to compensate you and your loved one for what they endured.
When you choose to work with an attorney or file a lawsuit, you are pursuing compensation for your losses. This may include the costs of relocation, any necessary medical treatment, and damages for the pain and suffering your loved one endured.
Every situation is unique, but if you have questions or concerns about your options, you can contact Evertt Cook Law for a free case consultation to learn more.