Reporting Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home neglect and abuse is an epidemic that must be stopped. In fact, a recent study found that there are nursing home violations in an estimated thirty percent of nursing homes throughout the United States. The types of abuse and neglect may vary but they can all be damaging to the health and well-being of your loved one. The abuse or neglect may be difficult to identify if your loved one has dementia or other medical problems that make communication limited. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, there are things you can do and agencies you can contact to ensure the neglect stops. It is important for all of us to speak out about any abuse or neglect to ensure that our most vulnerable loved ones received the care and respect they deserve. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home malpractice feel free to contact one of our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers to discuss your options. They will listen to your concerns and help determine if you are entitled to compensation for what your loved one has suffered.

The number one way that you can help prevent nursing home abuse from happening to your loved one is to visit them on a regular basis and be an active part of their care. If you suspect that nursing home abuse and neglect has occurred, there are certain actions you should take to help make sure the person or party responsible for the abuse is held accountable.

Some Signs of abuse and neglect to look for

• Pressure sores
• Being emotionally distance
• Lack of willingness to talk
• Behavioral differences
• Changes occurring to your loved one’s will or power of attorney
• Changes in your loved one’s financial standing
• Bruises that have no explanation
• Being physically distressed or agitated
• Bleeding
• Infections or additional medical problems that have no explanation

Once you notice signs of potential abuse or neglect, you should first discuss your concerns with the nursing home. If that does not work or you feel that you are not getting an honest response you can also report your concerns to local and state agencies such as:

• The Office of Aging - (615)741-2056
• Tennessee Commission of Aging and Disability - 1.888.APS.TENN or 1.888.277.8366.
• Tennessee Long Term Care Ombudsman-(615)741-2056
• Tennessee Department of Heath- 1-877-287-0010

You can also contact your loved one’s doctor, a patient advocate, social worker or call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

After reporting the nursing home negligence, you may still be left with many questions and be confused about what to do next. We have to think about moving your loved one to a new nursing home and about whether you may be able to seek legal action for the abuse. This is why it is important to speak with a caring and experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer with the Higgins Firm. We will review your case, answer any questions you may have and determine if you have a good case for a legal action. If it is determined that you do, we will work with you to gather the evidence needed to prove that abuse did occur. We will make sure the nursing home is held accountable for their actions. Finally, we will see to it that you get the compensation you need for medical bills, any other expenses and the pain and suffering that you and your loved one have experienced.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.