Glick Law Firm, P.A.

Children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable groups of people and need responsible and gentle care. When we place an aging relative in a nursing home, we expect them to be well cared for, with good medical supervision, good nutrition, interesting daily activities if possible, a comfortable bed, and all the things that we would provide for them ourselves.

Sometimes this is the case but not always. The elderly are not necessarily able to speak up about negligent care or active abuse – whether because of a stroke which has paralyzed them, Alzheimer’s which is gradually taking their alertness, or fear of retaliation. For that reason, it’s very important to visit your family member in the nursing home.

Make your visits irregular, unpredictable
That way, the staff will know you’re interested in your relative’s welfare but will not know when you might appear for a visit. That can help keep them attentive and on their toes. When you do visit, talk to some of the nurses or aides and ask how your relative is doing. Ask if there are any problems in caring for him or her. Try to create pleasant and communicative relations with the staff.

You can also check your loved one’s person and bed area for any signs of abuse or neglect, such as unexplained bruises, sores on the hips, buttocks or shoulders (which would indicate the person is not being turned in bed often enough), bad breath, weight loss, or unspoken fear. Nursing home abuse can take many forms.

Check that there’s a water jug and glass at the bedside, and that the jug is not empty. Thirst becomes less noticeable as we age, but it’s important not to become dehydrated, so someone may need to give regular drinks of water.

If you notice anything amiss and your loved one cannot give you any information about it, speak to the staff and administrator. If you feel that something is being hidden, by all means, contact us for a free consultation.