3 Ways to Keep Your Loved One from Falling Victim to Nursing Home Abuse
If your loved one is living in a nursing home or any sort of assisted living facility, you have reason to worry that they will be the victim of abuse or neglect. In fact, the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse reports that approximately five percent of all senior adults in the United States are subjected to such mistreatment, many of whom reside outside the direct care of family members.
Here are a few ways you can protect your loved one while they are in a nursing home:
- Visit often. The more frequently you stop by, the more likely you will be to notice changes and signs of abuse. Visiting your loved one at least once a week will help you be able to make the distinction between age-related decline and abuse-induced decline. It also keeps the lines of communication open between you and your loved one and lets them know that you care about their well-being, which may make them more likely to tell you if something is wrong.
- Keep them up and moving. Your loved one may be limited as to what sort of physical activities they are able to undertake alone, but nursing homes often have fitness facilities, regular outings, social events, and other ways for your loved one to remain mentally and physically active. Encouraging them to take part in such events can reduce sadness, loneliness, depression, and other emotional changes that put them at risk for abuse, and it can help them retain their current level of independence.
- Know the signs of abuse and speak up if you see them. When it comes down to it, your loved one may not be able or willing to speak up for themselves, and it may fall to you to advocate for them. If you suspect your aging loved one is being abused, consider bringing in a legal representative as soon as possible.
Call (316) 688-1166 to Speak to a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Wichita
At Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC, we are prepared to defend your loved one and punish those who have caused them harm through deliberate abuse or negligence. Allow us to come alongside you and help you protect your loved one’s rights during this time, starting with a free consultation with one of our compassionate nursing home abuse attorneys in Wichita.
Let us help. Contact us today.