Any Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer knows that the day you have to move your mom or dad into a nursing home can be the hardest day of your life. We all wish we could take care of our family on our own. But it reaches the point where it just gets to be too much. If you aren’t a nurse or a doctor, you may not be able to provide them with the care they need. You make sure you did your homework before you chose a nursing home. You took a tour and met with the admissions team. You even talked to a few of the residents to see how they like living there. The next thing you know, you’re on the phone with an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer. You’re angry and frustrated. You’re also scared that your loved one is in danger. Your attorney may need to step in and file a claim against the home.
How is Nursing Home Abuse Different than Neglect?
There is a big difference between nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect. With nursing home abuse, your loved one is being harmed. The abuse can be physical, emotional or mental. It can be hard to detect. However, it can be even harder to spot neglect. With neglect, it’s not a matter of what somebody is doing to your loved one. It’s what they aren’t doing for your loved one that concerns you.
When you moved your mom or dad into their nursing home, it was hard. You only did it because you were assured that they would be taken care of. If you learn that they aren’t being cared for well, then it’s up to you to step in. Intervene and find an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer to reach out to the administrator of the home. They can make sure an investigation is done and that your loved one gets justice.
What are the Telltale Signs of Neglect?
For some people, spotting the signs of nursing home neglect is easy. They know their loved one so well they can tell when something is wrong. When your loved one has been living in the home for a while, it can become harder to recognize the signs. You get so used to seeing them in their room, you stop noticing the little things. Some of the things you want to keep an eye out for include:
- Your parent looks disheveled or is wearing mismatched clothes
- You notice the smell of urine or feces in their room
- You see that they haven’t been getting their medication as prescribed
- You learn that your loved one isn’t being taken to activities or social events in the nursing home
- You find out that your mom or dad has bed sores from not being changed
- They start to lose weight for no reason
If you notice any of these things, you should call and talk to our office. Set up a time to meet with one of our skilled Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyers. It costs you nothing so you have nothing to lose.
Talk to an Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Immediately
If you suspect that your mom or dad is being neglected while in their nursing home, you need to act fast. Often, once the nursing home realizes you’re talking to an attorney, they may move to cover up the neglect or abuse. You don’t want this to happen for obvious reasons. You want to make sure your loved one is living somewhere that they are safe and happy. That’s why it’s a good idea to call and talk to an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as you become suspicious. You can bring your concerns to our office and let an experienced attorney review your claim.
One of the first things you’re going to have to do is move your loved one to a different facility. But you want to make sure you document the suspected neglect before you do anything. If you find out your mom or dad needs medical care as a result of the neglect, the defendant should have to pay for it. The only way to make that happen is to have your Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer act on your behalf. You can call our office and set up a date and time to meet with an attorney. The initial consultation is free, and you don’t have to worry since there’s no cost to you.
