You may suspect your loved ones getting abused in the elder care facility without really seeing any visible signs and symptoms. There is always a possibility of logical explanations for specific indications of neglect or abuse. Based on this, you can never be sure until you notice glaring signs or your loved ones expressly tell you about the abuse.
Specific direct questions may be able to shed critical light and provide helpful information. Here are a few pertinent lines of questioning that may be able to reveal neglect or abuse in nursing homes.
Ask About Daily Activities
You should ask your loved ones about the way they spend their day. You should inquire about their daily activities. Ask whether there are any group activities at the elder homes. Do they have enough resources to pursue a hobby or an activity of their choice? These questions should be answered without any hesitation on the part of your loved one. They should be forthcoming about staff members that are involved in these activities with them.
Ask About Intellectual and Emotional Engagement with Staff Members
Question about the people your loved one talks to during the day. Ask specifically about staff members that interact with them. Inquire after those team members that come in touch with your loved one daily. Look for signs of fear and agitation when they are discussing a particular staff member.
You should not shy away from asking follow-up questions if you have concerns. If your loved one shows visible signs of agitation while discussing with staff members or other residents, you should consider seeking advice from a reliable and productive attorney.
Talk About Inappropriate Touching and Physical Abuse
You should immediately question any signs of physical abuse. Cuts, lacerations, burns, scratches, and bruising can occur because of innocent reasons. These are the result of accidents. You should not take broken bones and restraint marks lightly. Ask your loved one how the injuries took place. Look for holes in their stories. They may be too afraid to tell you the truth. Seek help if you think something malicious happened.
Ask Leading Questions About General Well-being and Safety
You can ask indirect questions to learn more about any potential problem in the nursing home. Leading questions can throw light on the possibility of neglect and abuse in nursing home residents suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of cognitive impairment.
These are a few examples of such questions:
- Do you feel safe sleeping here?
- Are you emotionally comfortable in your living environment?
- Who helps you bathe and dress?
- Do you receive help with your food and medications?
Consider the answers that your elderly loved one gives you carefully. You may be able to identify low-quality or insufficient care. Passive forms of abuse and neglect become apparent through this type of questioning too. Any concerning response should be investigated immediately.
Contact a California and Washington Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
Nursing home abuse cases are on the rise in both California and Washington. An accomplished elder home abuse attorney from Walton Law can help answer your questions and concerns regarding nursing home neglect and abuse. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 338-7079 or fill out this online contact form.