Client: Burke, Harvey & Frankowski
Copyright 2008 Burke, harvey & Frankowski
Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect
Do you suspect that someone you love is being neglected or abused by the nursing home that is being paid to take care of them? If so, here are some ways that you can investigate and put a stop to it.
� Visit the home frequently � Start making your presence known. Make your visits unpredictable by showing up at different times. Be sure you include weekends and holidays as well.
� Talk to the Director of Nurses, Social Worker and Administrator responsible for the facility in question.
� Talk to the doctor in charge of your loved one's care.
� Talk to the nurses and aides about the issues concerning you.
� Contact the ombudsman for your state. This is the government appointed official responsible for representing the public's best interests through investigation of complaints reported by citizens.
The Department of Health for your state deals with the enforcement of nursing home regulations and the overseeing of these homes in general. This department is responsible for investigation of complaints filed by family members of the nursing home's residents. Yearly surveys are conducted on each of the homes as well.
The nursing home is required to provide you with the name of the state licensing agency when you place a resident in their home. Contact the licensing agency.
It is a very difficult decision to place a loved one in someone else's care. It is even more detrimental to the loved one and to you if you suspect neglect or abuse in the nursing home. If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the law firm of Burke, Harvey and Frankowski today to find out what your rights are and what you can do.