If you have an elderly loved one who has Alzheimer’s, dementia, serious mobility problems, or other problems which require around-the-clock care, you may eventually have to make the difficult decision to place them in care. A high quality nursing home or other care environment can provide your family member with full-time medical care, a comfortable life, and the ability to live their life with dignity.
In fact, placing a loved one in proper care can mean a safer environment. Care homes and nursing homes are designed to help protect loved ones who can’t take care of themselves. They have an entire staff to help, which can be safer than having one family caregiver who does not have nursing or professional training.
The problem is that nursing home abuse and neglect in Hollywood and across the country is a serious problem. Each year, elderly residents are abused, neglected, or even suffer fatal injuries due to negligence. If you’re placing a loved one in nursing home care, you want to ensure that you place them in one of the professional, friendly, and caring environments that are available in Homestead.
Here’s how you can protect your family member:
1) Do your research.
Carefully investigate nursing homes you’re considering. Drop by for a visit, speak to others who have placed loved ones there, and check to see whether others have complained about the services and quality of care. Investigate staff to resident ratios, programs available, and more. Check to see whether the nursing home has been reported or has had lawsuits filed against them. Look for the best possible solution and be wary of any location with multiple reported problems.
2) Drop by often.
Even if you carefully select nursing homes based on reviews, staff does change. A nursing home with excellent staff may eventually hire new personnel, and there’s no guarantee the new personnel have the same caring attitude. It is important to drop by often and to maintain open lines of communication with your loved ones so you can notice any red flag signs of abuse or neglect.
3) Know the signs of abuse and neglect.
Signs of a possible problem include:
- Bruises
- Unexplained injuries
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lethargy or withdrawn behavior
- Loss of assets or possessions
- Body odor
- Lice or other pests
- Ungroomed appearance
- Poorly fitted clothes
- Changes in behavior or personality
If you feel that a loved one has been abused or neglected and you would like to know your legal rights, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our legal team would be pleased to offer you compassionate and caring legal advice and support.