When you place a loved one in a nursing home in New Jersey, it is with the assumption that he or she will receive quality care and whatever support he or she needs. If you are no longer able to provide the type of care a loved one needs, you probably spent significant time researching facilities and trying to make the right choice on his or her behalf. It can be devastating to learn that the nursing home you chose is not providing the care you assumed it would.
There are certain things you may notice that could indicate that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in his or her nursing home. If you think this is happening, you can take action on his or her behalf. There are certain steps you can take to put an end to inappropriate and unacceptable treatment and hold liable parties accountable for what your family member experienced.
Is something wrong?
It is not always immediately clear that there is something wrong with the type of treatment your loved one is experiencing. Certain signs, however, could be a clear indication that something is wrong. Some of the things that may indicate nursing home abuse or neglect include the following:
- There is evidence that your loved has been unable to go to the bathroom as needed due to lack of help getting to the bathroom or cleaning him or herself.
- You notice that your loved is disoriented or drowsy much of the time, possibly due to improper medication dosage or timing.
- Your loved one has become depressed or withdrawn, which may indicate that he or she is not receiving proper care, is experiencing abuse, or may not be getting proper nutrition.
- Weight loss, bruising, injuries and other new medical issues could indicate that your loved one is not getting proper medical care in his or her nursing home or is perhaps even experiencing a type of abuse.
Nursing homes have a certain duty of care that they owe to the residents who are under their care. Failure to provide residents with the right type of care, supervision and support could be grounds to move forward with a civil claim against the liable party. It can be infuriating and devastating to learn that a loved one was subjected to abuse or neglect, but there are things you can do. It is possible for you to take certain steps to hold liable parties accountable.