Nursing Home Abuse Prevention Lawyer

There are several things that you can do to keep your loved one, who is entering a nursing home, or who is already a resident, from becoming a victim of elder abuse.

1. Check out potential nursing homes completely. Ask to see the different areas in the facility. Keep an eye out for the condition of the rooms and the other patients. Talk to other residents. Do they seem alert and engaged? Are they well taken care of?
2. Before making a decision, look for resources on nursing home facilities like Nursing Home Compare , a Medicare website which rates different aspects of individual nursing homes, or the Illinois Department of Public Health Nursing Home Violations Report , which lists violations at specific nursing homes, classified as type AA, the most severe, type A, type B or type C, the least severe.
3. Become involved in the care planning process right away, and let the staff know that you intend to be involved along the way. Attend care meetings and ask questions about the plan for your loved one’s care and treatment. Make sure all key players will attend the meeting so everyone is on the same page regarding your loved one’s care. Request concrete, measurable plans and a timetable for treatment.
4. Visit often, without advance notice, at different times of day and on different days of the week. In this way you can interact with all the different staff members who deal with your loved one. This will give you a full picture of the patterns of care and the performance and attitudes of care staff on different shifts.
5. Get to know all the key staff who will be taking care of your loved one on different shifts. Give them information that will help them take care of your loved one, and praise them when they provide good care. Don’t forget to develop a good working relationship with administration and supervisors. Know the policies that apply in the event you have concerns.
6. Monitor your loved one’s care closely. Maintain close contact with the doctor, and take notes when talking to staff and medical personnel. Check records to make sure the plan is being followed. Get a second opinion if you have any doubts about a diagnosis or treatment plan. Insist on being told about any significant changes in your relative’s physical, mental or behavioral condition or their treatment plan, as soon as possible. Lastly, check prescribed medications and notice how they affect your relative.
7. Look for any of the warning signs of abuse. Listen to your loved one carefully and take their concerns seriously. Make a physical inspection of your relative. Take action immediately if you suspect anything.
8. Act as an advocate for your loved one, by knowing their rights . Follow up on all concerns you have and ask for meetings with key staff who can address any problems right away. If you do not get satisfactory action from the staff, contact the Illinois Long Term Care Ombudsman, and file a complaint with the proper agency, if necessary. Get to know the laws that protect nursing home residents, including nursing home standards of care and patient’s rights. (See sections below)