What would you do if you started to suspect that the person caring for your loved one was actually hurting them? This kind of uncertainty can be deeply troubling for families. The World Health Organization reports that about one in six older individuals experiences some form of abuse each year.
Discovering abuse in nursing home care facilities may be difficult. It may appear as an unexplained injury, fear, poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, or unusual withdrawal. If something seems wrong, it is a good idea to stay aware of the signs. Here are some steps to take when dealing with abuse.
Watch Out For Warning Signs
Not all signs of abuse are physical. Watch out for unexplained injuries and behavioral changes. Your family member may display unusual weight loss, suddenly become emotionally withdrawn, anxious, or self-conscious when dealing with certain caregivers.
Financial changes may also be an indicator of possible elder abuse. Look out for unusual cash withdrawals or unexpected changes in the official records. One sign of possible mistreatment does not mean abuse obviously occurs. However, if many signs become a pattern, they must not be ignored.
Pay Attention To Your Loved One
Your elderly loved ones might not want to open up about abuse. They may be scared that coming forth would aggravate the situation or that nobody would listen to them. They could also be feeling ashamed at what has happened.
Help them feel comfortable saying what’s on their mind without blaming them. Asking a straightforward question like, ‘Please tell me what happened?’ or ‘Can you explain further?’ can encourage them to share their side of the story.
Write Down What You Notice
When something gives you a reason for concern, it is essential to record it. You should note when the incident occurred, what happened, who was involved, and what your family member said about it.
If there is a visible injury or any other sign of distress, you should take pictures whenever you think it is appropriate. Keep copies of any messages, complaints, emails, and any actions made by the nursing home. Even small things can be helpful in case of similar concerns in the future.
Inform The Relevant Authorities
When you have a serious concern, do not assume that someone else will take care of it. Bring the matter to the attention of an administrator or the manager of the facility. Depending on your geographical location, you may need to contact regulatory authorities or law enforcement agencies.
If you are reporting nursing home abuse, check which organization is responsible for handling complaints in your locality. Always take note of when you filed the complaint, the person it was filed with, and what action was taken thereafter. If you fear your loved one has been harmed or is in danger, call for emergency help rather than relying on the institution to address the issue.
Seek Medical Help
If your loved one has been injured or their health has suddenly changed, arrange for medical attention. Doctors can help you determine the cause of unexplained injuries, dehydration, malnutrition, the presence of any infections, or anything else that may be bothering your loved one.
Medical documentation and records will also help in such cases. This is especially important since some signs of neglect may seem to be common health problems in elderly people. A sudden change in their wellbeing may not simply indicate the natural aging process.
Conclusion
One of the first steps of protecting a loved one is paying careful attention. The discovery that someone you care about may be the victim of physical or psychological abuse may be traumatizing. You may be feeling upset, worried, or uncertain about the next step. Refrain from attempting to do everything at once. Begin by watching and listening attentively and requesting help if needed.