Many older people reach a point at which they can no longer take care of themselves or safely remain in their homes. As a result, they may need admitting to a nursing home or similar care facility. You may have recently admitted your elderly loved one into the care of such an establishment. The decision may have been difficult, but you knew you could not provide the care your loved one needed.
At first, you may have felt confident that your family member would receive the care he or she needed. However, after some time, you may have become more concerned that he or she faced unnecessary risks and suffered more illnesses or injuries than you considered reasonable for your loved one’s condition. As a result, you may have had the gut-wrenching thought that the nursing home staff neglected or abused your family member.
Neglect and abuse not uncommon
Though you and numerous other Ohio residents place your loved ones in the care of professionals because you believe that staff members will look after them, neglect and abuse do take place in some of these facilities. You may suspect such wrongdoing if your loved one suffered from any of the following issues:
- Unexplained broken bones
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Falling
- Bed sores
- Rapid and unexpected decline in condition
Regrettably, nursing home abuse could even lead to the deaths of patients. Before this could happen to your loved one, you undoubtedly want to take action in order to have the situation looked into further and properly addressed.
Actions to take
If you believe that your loved one has suffered at the hands of nursing home staff due to either neglect or abuse, you may want to consider taking the following actions:
- Having your loved one examined by an outside doctor
- Removing your loved one from the facility
- Finding a safe place for your loved one
- Reporting the neglect or other abuse to the proper authorities
You may also want to take further steps to seek justice for your loved one’s unnecessary suffering. In efforts to do so, you may want to explore your legal options. Filing a legal claim against the nursing home and other parties considered responsible could allow for the pursuit of justice and compensation for resulting damages. It may seem intimidating to take such actions, but your efforts could prevent further harm to your loved one and other patients.