What to do if your Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

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• Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or even
  financial.
• Signs of neglect range from soiled clothing or
  linens to malnourishment and dehydration.
• Traces of physical abuse include
• Unexplained bruises, cuts, abrasions, or burns
• Broken bones
• Pressure marks
• Torn or bloody clothing

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• Abuse may manifest in more subtle or unrecognized
  ways. Emotional abuse, for example, may result
  in
• Tension or silence around caretakers
• Emotional withdrawal, mood swings, or personality
  changes
• To ensure that no financial exploitation has
  occurred, its important to watch for sudden
  changes in wills, powers of attorney, and bank
  accounts.

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• A senior citizen may be suffering from memory
  loss, confusion, or communication difficulties,
  but they are an indispensable resource.
• Speak to the nursing home staff as well. You
  might gain valuable insight into the situation at
  the facility.
• Talk to family members of other residents. They
  might be experiencing similar problems.

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• Unless there are obvious signs of abuse, its
  good to double check before reporting the
  situation.
• We may overreact at times when dealing with
  vulnerable loved ones.
• Talk to someone you trust, whether that be a
  doctor, a friend, or a family member. A second
  opinion from a more detached party might help you
  verify your suspicions or gain perspective.

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• As long as there are no clear manifestations of
  aggression or ill intent, talk to the offending
  CNA.
• Sometimes a well-intentioned caregiver is unaware
  that their actions are causing harm.
• If that doesnt resolve the situation, speak with
  the floor supervisor and then the home
  administrator.

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• Before you report abuse, gather as many details
  and as much evidence as possible.
• Take pictures of any physical marks such as
  bruises or cuts. Write down the particulars of
  any incidents you witness or hear about. Be as
  specific as possible.
• Obtain relevant medical records and be prepared
  to answer questions about the victims mental and
  physical health.

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• You can officially report elder abuse to the
  appropriate states Adult Protective Services
  (APS).
• You can also contact county authorities or the
  state ombudsman, who handles complaints about
  government-regulated agencies such as nursing
  homes (some assisted living centers may not be
  regulated).
• If you suspect that someone is in immediate
  danger, call 911 or the local police.

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• If there has been abuse or neglect, you should
  contact a personal injury attorney or nursing
  home lawyer.
• Swift legal action can lead to restitution in
  cases of financial exploitation or compensation
  for injuries resulting from neglect or abuse.
• Holding offending nursing homes legally
  responsible will help assure quality care for all
  elders.

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• Since 1996, Marc J. Shuman Associates has
  successfully represented more than 10,000
  personal injury victims.
• With 77 combined years of experience and tens of
  millions of dollars in recoveries, our
  experienced attorneys are prepared to fight to
  obtain compensation for those who have suffered
  serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved
  one.
• Visit www.shumanlegal.com to learn more about our
  dedication to achieving a favorable outcome for
  our clients.

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• http//www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs
  /LTCF_ResearchBrief_web508.pdf