If you have chosen to utilize the benefits of a nursing home, you should be aware of signs of abuse. Common signs of nursing home abuse include the following:
- Physical neglect, including bedsores, may indicate the nursing home staff fails to provide residents with the necessities of daily living
- Residents who suffer from frequent falls, which can indicate that they may not be receiving adequate oversight from the nursing home staff, or they may be victims of poorly maintained equipment or facilities
- Withdrawal or isolation can be a sign that staff is failing to provide a nursing home resident with adequate assistance or attention.
- Frequent infections could mean that nursing home staff is failing to follow proper hand washing techniques.
The sooner you identify a potential problem with a nursing home, the earlier you can file a compelling lawsuit that may help you put an end to unlawful actions by the nursing home staff.
Simple Steps to Finding the Right Nursing Home
When selecting a nursing home, it is important to find a facility that suits the health needs of your family. Some of the things you may want to consider when choosing a nursing home include:
- Compile a list of potential nursing homes within traveling distance.
- Speak to friends, neighbors, senior groups, and social groups about potential facilities
- Check the Medicare and Medicaid website for a list of certified nursing facilities
- Determine the facility’s proximity to family members and friends so that visits can be as frequent as possible
- Make an unannounced visit to the facility to determine the general feel of the place. Ask questions:
- Is the atmosphere friendly?
- How does the staff treat residents?
- Is the facility clean?
- How is the temperature?
- How is the food?
- What steps are taken in the event of a medical emergency?
- Are there trained medical professionals on staff?
- Where is the nearest hospital to the facility?
- After the unscheduled walk-through, set up an appointment with the facility’s administrator to ask questions regarding visitation, meals, hiring practices, and staff requirements.
- Finally, try to determine the overall quality of life of the residents. Does the facility provide social events? Opportunities to interact with friends and other residents?
Contact Us
If you feel a loved one has been subjected to abuse or neglect at the hands of a nursing or elder care facility staff, contact the New York nursing home abuse and elderly neglect lawyers of Hach & Rose, LLP, online or call (212) 779-0057. We believe very strongly that our seniors should be treated with dignity and respect and we will fight to ensure they receive such care.
Dedicated to protecting the rights of the elderly 