Putting a loved one in a nursing home is a tough decision. Talking to your loved one when you suspect they may have been mistreated or harmed in the nursing home is even harder. However, it’s important to stay involved, ask tough questions, and follow up if you feel like something is wrong. Having an involved family can make all the difference when a resident is a victim of abuse or neglect.
Here is some general guidance on how to talk to your loved one if you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse. Keep in mind that every situation is different. For specific guidance, contact an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer for a free, confidential consultation.
How to approach a conversation with a potential abuse victim
If you suspect abuse or neglect, it’s important to speak to your loved one in an emotionally supportive, nonjudgmental way. Acknowledge what’s happening, but avoid blaming or judging throughout the conversation. Use open questions such as “How can I help?” to keep the conversation going. Explicitly using statements like “this wasn’t your fault” or “I’m so sorry this happened” can reassure your loved one that you are on their side and don’t blame them for what happened.
Often, it takes more than one conversation to get to the bottom of nursing home abuse or neglect. Keep visiting, ideally on different days and at different times of day. Pay attention if your loved one seems more nervous at a particular time or when a particular staff member is on duty.
Questions to ask your loved one
Questions about daily activities
- Are you getting enough to eat and drink?
- Are you getting your medications on time?
- Are you getting regular baths?
- When was the last time you changed your clothes?
- Does anyone refuse to help you to the bathroom?
Questions about physical abuse
- Has anyone touched you without your permission?
- Has anyone ever hit you?
- Have you been physically restrained?
- If so, what did they use to restrain you?
Questions about threats or threatening behavior
- Has someone talked to you in a threatening way?
- Has someone used their body to intimidate you?
- Has someone scolded you? If so, what did they say?
Questions about attempts to cover up abuse
- Has anyone limited your daily activities?
- Has anyone limited your visits or access to the phone?
- Has the nursing home refused to take you to the doctor or follow up on health issues?
- Are you kept in your room when you want to leave and visit other people?
What to do if you suspect nursing home abuse in Alabama
If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in an Alabama nursing home, you need to put the nursing home itself on notice. Meet with the administration and explain your concerns. Make sure you put it in writing so that they can’t claim ignorance later.
You can also file an official report with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman Program is an office of the Alabama Department of Senior Services that works to advocate for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities.
Contact Shuttlesworth Law Firm for a free consultation
Filing a report with the appropriate government agency is important, but remember, their job is to investigate and determine whether abuse happened, not to represent victims and their families. That’s why it’s important to talk to an attorney who will be your advocate and your voice throughout the process.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Alabama, give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with Shuttlesworth Law Firm, P.C.
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