It’s not always easy for the families of nursing home residents to determine if they’re being abused or neglected. In many cases, staff members become very good at hiding the signs of abuse or neglect. When questioned about bruises, dehydration, or other signs of mistreatment, they may have convenient excuses or explanations ready.
This leaves many families wishing they could catch staff members in the act when they suspect their loved ones are being abused or mistreated. While there’s no surefire way to see it happening in person, there is a way to increase your chances of getting more definitive proof that your loved one is being mistreated, and that’s by making surprise visits to their nursing home.
If you normally visit on a set schedule—every Saturday at 10 a.m., for example—staff members will start to expect you. On those days, they may give your loved one the red-carpet treatment to reduce the risk of being caught abusing or neglecting them.
However, if you show up unexpectedly at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, you may see their treatment of your loved one change. Families have reported seeing their loved ones left alone in their rooms or common areas for long periods of time upon making surprise visits, as well as signs of abuse that occurred just before they arrived.
If you suspect abuse or neglect are occurring to your loved one at their nursing home, Skolrood Law Firm wants to help. Contact our Roanoke nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation.
