Nursing homes are meant to be safe havens for elderly individuals, providing the care and amenities they need to live comfortably. But sadly, some don’t meet this expectation and instead subject their residents to mistreatment, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse or neglect.
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue affecting millions of Americans annually. In fact, a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that at least one in ten residents experience some form of mistreatment. Knowing what to do when you lose a loved one due to nursing home abuse can be challenging. But don’t worry. This blog post will help you navigate the process.
Talk To The Staff at the Nursing Home First
The first step in dealing with nursing home abuse is to talk to the staff at the nursing home where your loved one was staying. Communicating with them openly and honestly about your experience and expectations for how they should respond to the incident can be an invaluable step towards finding peace and resolution. Ask questions about what happened and get all the facts about the situation.
In addition, those conversations present an opportunity for the nursing home to learn from their mistakes and prevent future occurrences of abuse so that other families don’t have to suffer a similar fate. If you think there may have been negligence or mistreatment on behalf of the staff, make sure to document all conversations and interactions with them. This will help you build a case later on if necessary.
Take Legal Action
Taking legal action can help you find justice, closure, and financial compensation. Engaging the services of a wrongful death attorney is strongly recommended, as they are experienced in this complicated area of the law and have strategies for getting the most favorable outcome possible.
Consultation with a wrongful death attorney can also provide information about what kinds of damages could be pursued on your behalf. Before starting legal proceedings or negotiations with a facility or individual, having an attorney by your side is highly advisable to represent your interests.
Seek Support
Losing a loved one due to nursing home abuse can be incredibly difficult. Those affected by this tragedy must seek the support of others who have endured similar losses. Having an understanding and supportive community can help one through these challenging times.
Feeling understood and accepted can provide strength and comfort during a harrowing experience. Social media platforms such as Facebook offer group forums and functions to connect individuals with people going through similar circumstances.
Finding someone who has been in your shoes and can relate to your experience helps ease the burdens you may be facing, whether emotional or practical. Seeking support from each other is a powerful way to cope with this type of loss, giving assurance you are not alone during a challenging time.
Consider Financial Assistance
Though it is impossible to make up for such a significant loss, there are some steps that one may take to find relief from the considerable financial burden associated with this tragedy. It is important to research available resources and take advantage of monetary compensation and care funds offered by governmental and non-profit organizations.
When dealing with money and medical records, it is always beneficial to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can help navigate the process from start to finish. One should also keep detailed records of any medical bills, policing reports, witness statements, and other essential documents, as these will be critical for filing civil or criminal lawsuits depending on the circumstances.
Seek Professional Help
Lastly, take the time to seek professional help if needed. Grief counseling, therapy, and support groups can help individuals psychologically and physically process the pain of losing a loved one due to nursing home abuse. If you or someone close to you are feeling overwhelmed by the situation, look for local resources that can provide timely support to heal from such a traumatic experience.
No matter what option is chosen, remember that it is okay to take the time needed to process this tragedy fully and honor your loved one meaningfully. Taking the necessary steps to find justice and closure will help you move forward while respecting the memory of your beloved family member.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with nursing home abuse can be an emotionally draining experience for anyone involved—especially when it results in the loss of a beloved family member or friend. If you believe that your loved one has been abused while in a care facility, you need to take action immediately by speaking with staff, contacting an attorney, and seeking out sources of support from others who have gone through similar experiences as yours. Taking these steps can help ensure justice is served for your loved one and give you some peace of mind during this difficult time..
