Elder Abuse Prevention: Some Very Practical Tips

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

We live in a very different world today than years ago, when elderly relatives were an integral part of the family, living at home until their deaths. Now we live life at break neck speed and husbands and wives work to care for their younger children, making it difficult to keep elderly parents at home.

It is hard to have to put a parent of loved one in a nursing home. They are away from everyone and everything familiar to them, and it can be a very frightening experience.

Elder abuse in nursing homes, is a very real and very frightening to deal with. There are some very practical things you can do to make sure your family is safe, while in a nursing home.

Best Practices for Managing and Monitoring a Nursing Home Care Facility for your Elderly Loved One

Be present: The best way to make sure that your love ones are safe while in a nursing home, is to visit often. It is a fact that clients who have regular visitation from family and friends are less likely to be abused.
Be vigilant: Elder abuse can be physical or emotional. As how they are being treated, or examine them physically. Learn to recognize symptoms of elder abuse. This could verify neglect or abuse.
Establish relationships with staff: Getting to know staff will lessen the possibility of elder abuse. Take time to get to know the people who are caring for your sick or elderly loved one.
Report abuse: Do not neglect to report and suspected elder abuse immediately. There are organizations and governmental agencies that will follow up on these claims. Consider hiring an elder abuse lawyer for advise.
Participate actively: When visiting the nursing home, notice if there is something that needs to be done. Wash their face, comb their hair if needed, read a story or show family pictures to encourage and remind them of great times they had in the past.
Have a visitation schedule: Get together with family members and set of a schedule of visitation, so that the burden is not place all on one person. This will also show much-needed support to the nursing home staff.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.