Steps to take when you Suspect Abuse and Neglect

Long-term care facilities have been in the public spotlight lately due to changes in their mode of operation because of the pandemic. Leaving some family members unable to visit their loved one in person for extended periods of time. This lack of personal contact has resulted in distress for many family caregivers who were concerned about their loved one being socially isolated or being subjected to abuse and neglect. With some of the restrictions lifting, we are starting to see less concern about social isolation. However, abuse and neglect continue to be a serious problem. So, what should you do if you suspect that someone you love is experiencing abuse or neglect?

Note the signs

While you may not want to wait for abuse and neglect to negatively impact your loved one, you should also be wary of acting before you have the evidence to support your suspicions. Therefore, it would be prudent to note signs of abuse and neglect, such as new bruises or injuries, bedsores, or major changes in your loved one’s behavior. If your loved one alleges abuse or neglect, that should be enough for you to take the next step and report the suspected abuse to the administrator. You will also want to document the signs of abuse or neglect immediately, including any signs, symptoms, or verbalizations made by your loved one.

Seek more information

If you suspect neglect and abuse and have some evidence of it, then you may want to reach out to the authorities as soon as possible. However, there are some cases in which what looks like neglect could be a misunderstanding. As such, you may want to get in touch with the administration of the nursing home or care team, to note your observations with them, and to set a path moving forward. They may investigate and find an explanation that is satisfactory or improve standards to acceptable levels. If they do not, then your next step would be to reach out to the proper governmental agency.

Report it

In cases where neglect and abuse are highly likely or the healthcare team fails to improve, then you should report it, both to the local agency responsible for adult protective services and to someone who can help you represent your loved one’s interests. You will also want to learn more about the types of legal resources you can access should you suspect nursing home abuse and neglect.

Look at other care options

Once you have reported the facility or organization responsible for the care of your loved one and sought legal recourse, it is important to make sure that you move your loved one out of danger and into suitable care as soon as possible. You might seek out other care facilities, paying close attention to their reputation and reviews. Make sure that you continue to visit your loved one regularly to make sure that their condition and their treatment is improving in their new environment.

The aforementioned steps are a thorough way to ensure that any potential abuse or neglect is reported and investigated.