Elder Abuse Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I select the best Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility for my loved one?

A: Evaluate your needs to determine which nursing home is best suited for your particular situation. For example, do you need a facility to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's? Do you need dialysis machines, or, a specialized wound care center?

Talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers and your physician. They may be able to recommend a care facility. It’s also very important to do some research. Contact your state department of health for published information or surveys.

Q: How do I ensure my loved one is receiving high quality care?

A. Stay involved in the elderly person’s life by visiting frequently. Observation and actively questioning the care is the most important part of ensuring quality care is received.

Q. What do I look for when checking up on my loved one?

A. Visit during mealtime to check out the food – quantity and quality. Pay attention for malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, urinary tract infections, skin breakdown, bedsores and other signs of negligent care. Ask lots of questions and keep a record.

Q: What do I do if I encounter resistance to monitoring my loved ones care?

A. Take it to the next management level. If you encounter resistance from upper management, consider moving to another facility.

Q. What do I do if I have reason to believe my loved one is in a life-threatening situation?

A. Insist that the staff call an ambulance to take your family member to a hospital. If they refuse, dial 911 yourself; then report the situation to upper management or your state’s ombudsman.

Q. What are the signs of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

A. Warning signs often go unnoticed by loved ones or family members. Do not ignore your instincts or suspicions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and investigate. Take an active role in your loved one's care, to insure that they are receiving the attention they deserve. If you notice any of the following, you may want to investigate the situation more carefully to determine if abuse is happening:

• Weight loss
• Emotional signs such as agitation or unease
• Sudden slurred speech, withdrawal, lethargy or unresponsiveness may indicate overmedication
• Any open wounds or cuts
• Unexplained injuries such as broken bones, bruises, or welts or injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization
• Reports of being physically slapped, pushed or beaten
• Falls
• Physical restraint
• Food and/or water deprivation
• Unexplained or unexpected death

Q. Why wouldn’t my family member in the nursing home tell me about any abuse?

A. Often they are threatened by the abuser, so they are afraid to tell. They think the behavior is normal and unaware it is abuse.

Q. What do I do if I suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse?

A. Take action immediately by calling 911 to remove your loved one from the facility.

The next important step is to contact an attorney with experience in elder abuse. It may seem perfectly clear to you that abuse was occurring, but proving it is much more difficult. Both federal and state laws regarding elder abuse are complex and require specialized knowledge and experience to pursue properly. Most states have statutes of limitations (time limitations for filing a claim), so don’t wait. Call an attorney as soon as possible.