If you suspect that an elderly or disabled loved one may be experiencing abuse in a nursing home, you may experience a swirl of emotions. You may feel fear for your loved one, uncertainty, anger, sadness, or guilt. You can sort through your emotions later, but now you have to take action to keep your loved one safe. Here are some things you can do, as well as some things you should avoid.
Dos
If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should take certain actions right away:
- DO act quickly if you believe your loved one is in a life-threatening emergency. Your first priority should be to remove him or her from the situation in the interest of his or her safety.
- DO make records of any troubling signs that lead you to suspect abuse. This includes behavioral changes as well as physical signs, such as bruises. Describe what you observe in writing and take photographs, if possible.
- DO know where to report the abuse. As a