How To Substantiate Physical Abuse At A Skilled Nursing Facility?

Nursing Home

Nobody should overlook signs of senior abuse. Some groups of people report suspicious cases of abuse, including doctors, therapists, nurses and teachers. You can report the situation based on a hunch, but what about proving it? Here, we will discuss some ways of proving physical abuse at a skilled nursing facility.

Pay Attention; Take Notes

Being observant and documenting anything that appears extraordinary or potentially dangerous for your relative, are your best possible moves for them. Besides physical concerns like unexplained bruises, matted hair, or unwashed clothes, take note of the mood of your relative. When someone is usually happy but is suddenly mean to everyone else or fearful, it is a potential sign of physical abuse. Another potential sign is mood changes, especially among residents who cope with dementia.

Ask For Medical Records

It is essential to request the records of your relative now and then and read those carefully to ensure that the facility is treating them properly. Check for anything it has not told you about or not explained to you properly in those records. Ask the facility whether you can talk to the one who handles your relative’s daily care and the head in their area or wing.

Talk To Others

There are perhaps people who witnessed the abuse, including other residents, volunteers, visiting relatives and/or cleaning staff. If your relative gets abused, it may be happening to other residents. Those people may also have concerned loved ones as well as may want to discuss their concerns with you and other people.

Examine Videos Or Photographs

As pieces of evidence, visuals are always among the best options in court situations. When you can photograph the soiled clothing, dirty room or bruises of your relative, it would help you to build a solid case against that location. A piece of footage of somebody abusing your relative can also be considerably helpful in convincing the case to a judge and/or jury.

Look At The Inspection Records And Licenses Of That Facility

A nursing home perhaps advertises that it is licensed or certified with the state, but not every SNF location fills out the required documents and pays the fees. Inspections also take place routinely and go into official records. It is important to check those records when you think that the facility does not treat your relative properly.