Imagine visiting a loved one in a nursing home and noticing signs of neglect and abuse and a subtle fear towards a member of the staff. Beyond the initial reaction of anger and outrage towards this treatment, what steps can you take to ensure that this does not continue and the abuser is made responsible?
Recognizing and reporting abuse of residents
Take immediate action when you suspect the staff is neglecting or abusing your loved one. First, document your observations. Take note of any physical signs like bruises, bedsores or sudden weight loss. You might also observe behavioral changes such as withdrawal, fearfulness or depression.
Taking a more proactive approach, you can speak to other patients and take note of their observations about the nursing staff. You can also reach out to other staff members that you know and trust to express your concerns. If the staff dismisses your worries, escalate the issue to the nursing home administration.
Following that, report the abuse to local authorities. The Adult Protective Services (APS) or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in California are agencies that investigate elder abuse reports and can intervene to protect the individual.
You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Public Health, which oversees nursing home regulations and conducts inspections.
Ensuring accountability and protecting elder rights
To protect your elderly loved ones’ rights, ensure they have access to legal representation. Reporting the abuse is the first step; getting support is the next step to potentially prosecute the abusers so our seniors can live in safety and with dignity.