Having a family member or loved one in a nursing home can cause you anxiety as you hear reports about nursing home abuse and neglect. If you discover your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, you may feel like you are living a nightmare and wonder what you can do.
It is important to know the common types of nursing home abuse so you know when it is time to make a report. Bruises, bedsores or any physical signs of abuse or neglect on your loved one are a typical sign of abuse.
Being given improper medication, unsanitary conditions or leaving patients unsupervised are also signs of nursing home abuse. The abuse does not always need to be physical. Being yelled at or degraded by staff or healthcare professionals is considered abuse, as well.
Documenting abuse
Before you report the nursing home abuse, make sure you have documentation. You must have more than your word to prove abuse. Evidence can include photographs, eyewitness statements or medical documentation of any injuries caused by abuse or neglect.
Reporting nursing home abuse can be challenging for many reasons. It is not uncommon for staff, administrators and others involved to downplay the abuse and try to hide it from becoming public. Unfortunately, reporting abuse or neglect to the nursing home itself might get you nowhere.
Where to report the abuse
However, you have the right to file a report through the Virginia Department of Health Professionals. Complaints against a nursing home can be made to the Office of Licensure and Certification.
It is unfortunate that not all nursing homes provide a safe, sanitary or secure environment for their patients. Negligence happens and taking these steps can help you fight for justice on behalf of your loved one. You may also have a case for compensation for your loved one through a personal injury action for negligence.