When You See Something, Say Something

You’ve heard it before and probably thought that this US Department of Homeland Security slogan only applies to airport security and the like. However, it’s excellent advice for any family with an aging loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

The nursing home promised you and your family a bunch of things when you moved your relative into the home. You were promised they would be kept safe. You were promised they would be cared for — bathed, fed, monitored, etc. If your loved one needs special care, such as assistance getting in and out of bed, you have every right to believe the nursing home staff will do what’s necessary.

So, when something doesn’t look right or feel right to you, trust yourself. It’s critically important that you speak up and start asking questions. For example, if you notice serious bruising on mom’s arm or are told about a bedsore or other wound, find out how the injury happened. While accidents do happen, you should monitor the situation very carefully and document every conversation you have.

While many nursing homes are trying to make good on their promises, the truth is that many of these facilities are just not getting the job done. Too often staff members are undertrained and overworked and the residents are the ones who suffer for it. Even with the best of intentions, it may not be not possible for one caregiver to keep vigilant watch on multiple nursing home residents at the same time. When nursing homes put profits before patients, they schedule the very minimum number of staff members on a shift. This is when mistakes, like these, happen:

• Slip and fall accidents and wandering are common when the facility is understaffed
• Patients may not receive medications in a timely manner
• Immobile residents may not be moved regularly to avoid bedsores
• Your loved ones aren’t changed into new clothing or they aren’t bathed regularly

Barry Sugarman is a compassionate nursing home abuse lawyer who believes in protecting the rights of our elderly citizens. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, or even if you suspect a problem and can’t define it, you owe it to your loved one to talk to a lawyer who can help.

Contact Sugarman Law today for a free consultation about your suspicions. Mr. Sugarman fights for justice for families affected by nursing home neglect and abuse. He is on your side and will work tirelessly to protect your loved one.