Nursing homes are a popular option for people who cannot afford to provide the constant care needed by the elderly as they continue to age. However, it is crucial to ensure that your loved ones are protected from any potential abuse upon moving to such accommodations.

Nursing homes were meant to be establishments of solace for the aging as they attempted to spend their last years on earth in comfort and bliss. This is not always the case, unfortunately, as some elders have been subjected to abuse by the same people who are supposed to care for them. If you suspect that your loved one has fallen victim to such abuse, acting as soon as possible is crucial to their healthcare and wellbeing.

Abuse, in this case, refers to the mistreatment of the elder in question, through physical, emotional, or psychological torment. In most cases you will be aware of the normal characteristics of a loved one, allowing you to note any changes to their personality or physical attributes. These changes should not be taken lightly if they occur in a negative light, such as observing a reduced level of happiness in the person concerned.

Some of the steps you can take if you suspect your loved one is being abused in their nursing home include:

Get Professional Help

Hiring a Cleveland nursing home abuse attorney can help you solve the issue as fast as possible. A lawyer can also ensure you and the victim are adequately compensated for the suffering you have endured. If you suspect a nursing home facility of abusing its tenants, getting professional help will ensure that you are taken seriously by the personnel of the establishment when you broach the matter.

If you intend to visit the management of the nursing home personally, it is advisable to have your lawyer accompany you. This can be beneficial in the future, as they can use the information collected during such a visit to build a case if necessary. Make sure the management is aware of your lawyer’s role during the visit unless advised otherwise.

Collect all Relevant Information

If the elder in question cannot testify against the suffering they are potentially being subjected to; then it is up to you or your attorney to gather any evidence that might be available. Collecting this information will make sure that you are well equipped to take the case to trial. It is an effective way of substantiating your claims against the facility.

Examples of the kind of information that should be collected include:

• Photographs of the affected areas, such as bed sores, bruises, or any visible wounds.
• Medical records where possible supporting the pictures that have been taken.
• A copy of the official complaint you have logged, together with any response that occurred.
• Testimony from the victim or any potential witnesses where possible.

Legal Action

In cases where such abuse persists or exhibits an extreme level of severity, you should make a point of removing your loved one from the premises at once. Once they are in a safe place, you can proceed to take legal action against the nursing home with the help of your lawyer.