Tips to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse can happen at any Oklahoma nursing home. Even if you made every effort to find the perfect place for your loved one, there is still a chance that wrongdoing will occur there. Workers at some of the most highly rated, most expensive Oklahoma nursing homes have been accused of abuse and neglect.
There are several steps families can take to protect their loved ones in nursing homes:
- Choose the right facility. Read online reviews and inquire about the staff training. You want to find a home that has a reputation for having plenty of qualified care providers. Don’t be afraid to ask management if they run background checks on their employees and if there have been issues in the past with abuse and neglect.
- Visit often. Once your loved one has moved in, you will want to make your presence known. Workers are less likely to mistreat residents who are visited often by friends and family. Visit at different times of day so that workers in each shift will see you and understand that you are involved in your loved one’s care.
- Place surveillance cameras. Some Oklahoma families rely on hidden cameras to catch incidents of abuse. There have been a number of cases involving dangerous workers who were caught on film abusing patients.
- Check for signs of abuse. Whenever you visit, it is important to look for symptoms of abuse including bruises, marks, and other injuries. If you notice something unusual, ask to see a copy of the medical records.
- Talk to your loved one. Ask about the quality of care he or she is receiving. Be direct and encourage an open conversation.
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or care facility, contact the authorities right away. Register a complaint with the nursing home’s administration and the state health department. Contact an experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyer who will help protect your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable.