The elderly have always been among the most vulnerable members of our society and we owe them the care and respect that they deserve. To fulfill our duty of care, sometimes we must take additional steps to hold nursing home staff and management accountable and ensure that our elders are being treated with care and respect.
A nursing home is a private facility for those whose care needs are too great to remain at home but who don’t yet require hospitalization. With skilled nurses and aides on standby 24 hours a day, nursing home residents have access to medical care and other rehabilitative care such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. It may be worth noting that a nursing home can be a good therapeutic transition for anyone who requires 24-hour care – not the elderly exclusively.
Understanding Your Rights and Your Elder’s Rights if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
As with any institution, the staff at nursing homes may occasionally neglect their duties or engage in abusive behavior. While this is far from the norm, nursing home abuse and neglect have happened in the past and it is something we should be prepared to deal with.
In addition to the common health concerns of the elderly, and the possibility of nursing home neglect and abuse, the current COVID-19 pandemic brings additional concerns of which we must all be aware. The elderly are especially vulnerable to the virus and they must be protected by taking the appropriate measures.
If you believe your elder is not receiving appropriate care or is being abused in a nursing home, you are not helpless. Your first task is to look for the signs of elder abuse. These include, but are not limited to:
- Unexplained injuries such as dislocations, bruises, and cuts
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Appearing fearful or panicky if their visitor is about to leave
- Soiled bedding or dirty clothing
- Unexpected or sudden difficulty sitting or walking
- Inhibited speech or being withdrawn from social engagements
- Missing personal possessions
When to Consult a Nursing Home Attorney
If you detect any of these or other signs of possible abuse, you should report it to the leadership of the nursing home immediately. You may consider asking for a change in care staff. You may also ask to have your elder given a health checkup to determine the cause of the possible signs of abuse. If your concerns are not addressed fully and satisfactorily, you will need to take further steps to protect your elder. If you believe your elder’s rights are being violated in a nursing home, a nursing home abuse attorney in Utah can help.
The knowledgeable and caring attorneys at Carlson Law specialize in nursing home abuse and neglect law. They will conduct a full investigation to discover the nature of the abuse. During your initial consultation, you will speak with a nursing home attorney who will listen to your concerns and take them up with the nursing home. If the nursing home does not take immediate steps to remedy the situation, our attorneys in Davis county can take legal action against them.
If you believe your elder’s rights are being abused, do not wait for the issue to resolve itself. Let the nursing home legal experts at Carlson Injury Law protect your loved one’s rights.
Contact Carlson Injury Law Today
Please call us at (801) 845-4577 to speak with us directly. You can also email us at mark.carlson@carlsoninjuryfirm.com, or use our secure and confidential contact form on our contact page.