At The Mabrey Firm, we understand that finding a trusted nursing home for your loved ones is a deeply emotional and critical decision. While many facilities provide compassionate and high-quality care, unfortunately, some do not meet these standards. Recognizing and addressing abuse in nursing homes is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to spot signs of nursing home abuse and the steps to take if you suspect it’s occurring.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

1. Unexplained Injuries: Frequent or unexplained bruises, fractures, or cuts could be indicative of physical abuse. Pay close attention to injuries that seem inconsistent with the explanations given.
2. Emotional Changes: Look for signs of emotional distress such as withdrawal, depression, or sudden changes in behavior. These can be signs of emotional or psychological abuse.
3. Poor Hygiene: Neglect can manifest in the form of poor personal hygiene, unclean clothing, or an unsanitary living environment. If a resident appears unkempt or their room is consistently dirty, it may be a red flag.
4. Unexplained Financial Transactions: Be wary of sudden changes in a resident’s financial status. Unexplained withdrawals or changes in financial documents may indicate financial exploitation.
5. Dehydration and Malnutrition: Regular monitoring of food and water intake is essential. Signs of dehydration or malnutrition, such as significant weight loss, could indicate neglect or inadequate care.
6. Staff Behavior: Observe the interactions between staff and residents. Aggressive or overly controlling behavior from caregivers can be a sign of abuse or mistreatment.

Steps to Report Nursing Home Abuse

1. Document Your Concerns: Keep detailed records of any signs of abuse or neglect you observe. This includes taking photos of injuries, noting any changes in behavior, and documenting incidents of neglect or mistreatment.
2. Speak with the Facility: Address your concerns with the nursing home management or director. Sometimes issues can be resolved through direct communication and intervention.
3. Contact State Agencies: Each state has agencies that regulate and monitor nursing homes. In Texas, for instance, you can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. These agencies can investigate complaints and take necessary actions.
4. File a Complaint with the Ombudsman: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides a resource for resolving complaints about long-term care facilities. They can offer support and advocate on behalf of the resident.
5. Seek Legal Assistance: If the abuse is severe or not adequately addressed through other channels, seeking legal counsel may be necessary. At The Mabrey Firm, we specialize in handling cases of nursing home abuse and can provide guidance on your legal options.
6. Notify Law Enforcement: In cases of severe abuse, especially if it involves criminal activities, contact local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the resident and initiate an investigation.

Protecting Your Loved Ones

Ensuring that a loved one is in a safe and supportive environment is a fundamental responsibility. If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s essential to act promptly and take the necessary steps to protect your loved one and hold those responsible accountable.

At The Mabrey Firm, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of nursing home residents. If you need assistance or have concerns about nursing home abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging situation and seek justice for those who have been wronged.

Your loved one deserves the highest standard of care, and together, we can ensure they receive it.