Things You Can Do To Protect Against Nursing Home Abuse

The Center For Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that two million nursing home abuse cases are filed annually. You do not need to suffer silently if you think you or a loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect or abuse. Our Rockford nursing home abuse lawyers at Fisk & Monteleone can help you.

What Are Effective Ways To Safeguard Against Nursing Home Abuse?

When you take your loved one to a nursing home near the Rockford Art Museum or Coronado Performing Arts, you want the best for them. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, they must receive loving care, attention, and support. But sometimes, nursing home staff does not do their job. Fortunately, there are proactive ways to reduce the chances of nursing home abuse:

Reduce Your Loved One’s Social Isolation

When our attorneys review common nursing home abuse cases, social isolation is the common denominator. Nursing home residents are more likely to be abused or neglected when no resident or family members are in the room. Being socially isolated opens the resident to nursing home workers who may be neglectful or abusive when they are alone with your loved one. If your loved one has medical issues that tend to isolate her, such as dementia, you should look for a care center where your family member will interact more with others.

Watch Your Loved One’s Prescription Medications

Keeping an eye on the prescription medications your loved one receives daily is critical. A common issue is a nursing home patient being overmedicated. For example, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported last year that 14% of nursing home patients received antipsychotic medications, but 82% of those were for off-label use. This means the person could receive this powerful drug for an unapproved medical condition. It is critical to ensure your loved one receives medications intended for their medical needs.

Visit Your Loved One Often

Visiting your loved one often offers many benefits. First, visiting them every few days or weekly can boost the person’s mood and improve their health. Being socially active in their environment is critical to ensure their health and happiness.

Also, you should check in on your loved one randomly when the nursing staff does not expect you. This will give you an idea that your loved one is being treated appropriately. Further, check in at different times to see how nursing home staff on various shifts works with your loved one.

Talk To Our Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Now

Most nursing homes in Illinois do a good job caring for their elderly residents. However, sometimes an underpaid or overworked staffer may get frustrated, and angry and lash out at nursing home residents. If you can prove nursing home abuse occurred, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our Rockford nursing home abuse lawyers are standing by to protect the rights of you and your loved one. We serve the communities of Boone County, Rockford, Belvedere, Loves Park, DeKalb, Poplar Grove, Byron, Freeport, and the surrounding area. Please contact one of the attorneys at Fisk & Monteleone at 815-962-0044 to discuss your nursing home abuse case.