Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
What to Do About Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Nursing homes are places where elderly and others receive care and support to meet their needs. According to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), about 1.2 million Americans reside in nursing homes. When we place our loved one in a nursing home we expect that they will receive proper care and will be treated with respect. Unfortunately, sometimes a nursing home resident is a victim of abuse or neglect. If that happens, you will want to take immediate action to resolve the situation.
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What will happen after I file my nursing home complaint?”
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
It is helpful to understand some signs that may indicate your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home. If you notice any unusual behavior or signs of abuse or neglect, you can take steps to protect your loved one.
- Unexplained bruises
- Broken bones
- Bed soreshttps://youtu.be/9hvxcs_xzRg?si=eMdhPlCiBD4PdFtZ
- Changes in behavior
- Aggression
- Becoming withdrawn
- Weight loss
- Change in appearance or poor hygiene
- Fear or avoidance of staff members or others
Abuse or neglect can be caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes a staff member is abusive or neglectful. Poor management or understaffing can lead to neglect. Abuse or neglect may also occur by another resident or guest.
Talk to Your Loved One
If you suspect that your parent is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, the first step is to talk to them to find out. Remember that your loved one may not want to admit to abuse or neglect due to shame or because they are afraid they will be treated worse if they make a report. For that reason, it may be difficult to determine whether your loved one is suffering at the hands of someone in a facility. A knowledgeable nursing home abuse lawyer will help investigate the allegation and determine how to proceed.
Contact the Facility Manager
Immediately contact the nursing home manager or administrator and report the situation. Note the specific details of the claim and provide as much information as possible. When you file a formal complaint, the nursing home must follow a specific procedure as per the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). If the abuse or neglect provides an immediate danger to your loved one, you may need to move them to a different facility as soon as possible.
Utilize State and Local Resources
Call the Department of Social Services in your county to report the allegations. They oversee Adult Protective Services (APS) and will investigate the report. They will also help prevent further abuse or neglect. In Mecklenburg County, you can reach Adult Protective Services online or at (704) 336-CARE.
The North Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides assistance for those in long-term care or nursing home facilities in the state. The ombudsman answers questions and offers help and guidance to those who suffer abuse or neglect in nursing homes. They advocate for a resident’s rights and ensure that their quality of life is protected. There are regional offices based on location.
Call a North Carolina Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
A North Carolina nursing home abuse and neglect attorney understands how to investigate and identify abusive situations. Your lawyer will answer your questions and give you support and guidance during this difficult time. You will learn how to resolve the problems and what options you have for taking legal action. We are here to help. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for a consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
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