It is never an easy decision to send a loved one to a nursing home. But, as we age, sometimes we start to lose both the mental and physical abilities to take care of ourselves. Add to it the likelihood that we are not as healthy as our younger years and may require frequent or constant medical attention, and for many families entering the sick or elderly into a nursing home is a wise decision, knowing that the family member will be assured the proper care they deserve.
While a majority of nursing homes throughout the United States, including those from Pottsville and Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, area provide quality care to their patients and residents, there are times when abuse or neglect occurs. It is not uncommon for victims to be unable to report such abuses.
Abuse refers to any incident of intentional injury or pain. This includes not only physical abuse, but verbal, mental or psychological or sexual in nature as well. Neglect occurs when victims are denied services that maintain their well-being. Nursing homes are required to keep records of all care and treatment provided to patients. Incidents at nursing homes may also include instances of medical malpractice, such as untreated illnesses or conditions, or providing wrong medications or treatments to a patient.
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of a nursing home error, it is crucial to report the incident immediately. Your loved one may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering from the nursing home’s error, abuse or neglect.
Source: ABC Action News, “How to protect nursing home residential and report suspected abuse or neglect,” Sean O’Reilly, April 26, 2017