Steps to Take When Faced With Poor Treatment in a Nursing Home: Advice from a St. Petersburg Attorney
Anyone who places a loved one in a nursing home hopes that superior care is being provided. Unfortunately, many of these facilities are inadequately staffed and poorly managed. Some care providers, indeed, simply should not be afforded the care of the elderly and frail. If you have reason to believe that a loved one is being abused or neglected, speak with a St. Petersburg nursing home attorney right away.
A St. Petersburg Nursing Home Lawyer Discusses Resident Complaints
The word “home” should conjure images of a place of refuge, a warm environment that is safe and comfortable. As a St. Petersburg nursing home lawyer can attest, however, all too often the word “home” amounts to a euphemism when used in the name of a nursing facility. If your loved one complains about poor treatment, therefore, you should take heed.
Of course, most anyone entering a nursing facility will go through a period of adjustment during which they may feel a gamut of emotions—loss, fear, and loneliness among them. Your St. Petersburg nursing home attorney will caution that you must listen to your loved one’s complaints, but keep in mind that they may be attributable to their simply wishing to be in their previous home.
A St. Petersburg Nursing Home Attorney on What to Look for
In essence, then, you need to use a fair degree of discernment to determine why your loved one is complaining. A St. Petersburg nursing home attorney will tell you that one consideration is timing. If your loved one has just arrived recently at the facility, he or she may still be adjusting. However, if the resident only begins complaining later and about a particular staff member, you should look for signs of abuse or neglect.
Your St. Petersburg nursing home attorney will suggest that you take into account all aspects of the facility, including food quality, activities, the manner of staff, etc. Keep in mind that staff will likely be on their best behavior when visitors are present. Try to arrange a time to visit outside of normal hours.
Among other things your attorney will suggest you look for are:
- Are bathrooms, bedding, and corners in rooms clean? Tell-tale signs of neglect can be found in this way.
- Do you see physical signs of neglect or mistreatment?
- Has your loved one exhibited a change in behavior?
- Does your loved one seem to be fearful of a particular staff member?
- Is your loved one afraid of being left alone?
- Does staff behave rudely?
Meet with a St. Petersburg Nursing Home Lawyer if You Suspect Mistreatment
If your loved one complains about poor treatment and you have reason to believe the complaints are legitimate, it is vital that you speak with a St. Petersburg nursing home attorney right away. Call Peter Giroux to arrange a complimentary consultation at 727-895-5399.