Nursing home abuse is quite rampant, with more than 1 in 6 seniors falling victim. That’s millions of seniors undergoing abuse in the very facilities meant to protect them during their sunset years.
Discovering that your loved one is a victim of physical abuse can be distressing and quite unfortunate. The stakes are much higher among the elderly, given their vulnerability, and you need to take swift action and protect their well-being. Here is what you need to do:
Urgently seek medical attention
If you notice signs of abuse on your loved one, there could be more than meets the eye. Seniors are susceptible to injuries such as fractures. Therefore, you need to take them to the hospital for treatment and a comprehensive check-up to rule out the possibility of less-unapparent injuries.
Remove them from the abusive environment
It is necessary to relocate your loved one from the abusive nursing home. If you do not have an immediate option, you can take your loved one home instead of leaving them in the hands of their abusers.
Before settling on a new home, ensure you conduct due diligence on the nursing care facility. Do thorough research on the environment there, ideally through an in-person visit.
Getting justice for your loved one
Besides reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities for criminal action against the abusers, you can file a nursing home abuse case against the facility. Physical abuse is considered a form of negligence, and the nursing home may have to compensate your loved one for their injuries.
Senior abuse of any kind is inexcusable behavior, and you should not let a negligent nursing home get away with it. Speaking with an experienced professional can help you learn more about your options.
