There are a number of reasons why we may seek help caring for elderly loved ones such as their health may dictate the need for consistent medical attention that we are not able to provide at home, or they simply may wish to move to an assisted living facility where they are amongst others their age. In New York and across the Nation, we trust the care of our senior citizens to a wide variety of care facilities such as nursing homes. However, when we do decide to trust the staff, doctors and nurses at these establishments, it is paramount that we research the homes available.
Once you have made the decision and have chosen a new nursing home for your loved one, in most cases, they will live a very happy and productive life there while receiving the care they need. Unfortunately, there are many incidents of abuse and neglect reported every year for occurrences that are easy to detect. However, many types of mistreatment are not as easy to uncover such as over medicating, under medicating, and sexual assault. While some elderly residents may not be able to let you know about the care they receive on a daily basis, there are signs to watch for when you visit. If patients are over medicated, for example, they may be unresponsive, or if they are victims of sexual assault, you may see a significant change in personality and disinterest in activities.
Most states, including New York, have laws in place to help prevent abuse and neglect and the first step is awareness. Once you suspect that your loved one is not receiving the standards of care, the nursing home is responsible for providing, you have many avenues to ensure they are properly cared for and compensated for their suffering.
Proving nursing home neglect is not easy, and residents may rely on you for help. If you suspect any form of nursing home neglect, it may be beneficial to seek a knowledgeable attorney who has experience in this area as they can help ease the emotional and financial strain on you and your loved one.
