If your loved one is facing abuse in a nursing home, it’s important to report the abuse to the police and to adult protective services. Not only that, but it’s important to act quickly. Below are a few things that you should do if your loved one is a victim of elder abuse. And you can click here to get more details on what steps you need to take if you or a loved one is the victim of elder abuse
1. Report the incident to the facility
If a staff member is mistreating an elderly person in an assisted living facility, it’s important to report the conduct to the management of the facility. This will ensure that the staff member responsible for the abuse faces consequences for their actions. In addition, it’s important to make sure that you find another assisted living facility where your loved one will be safe.
2. What if the elderly individual being abused is suffering from dementia?
Individuals who are suffering from dementia are particularly vulnerable to physical, verbal, and financial abuse. This is because the abuser often assumes that their testimony will not be considered credible. However, it’s always important to take it seriously if an individual talks about suffering abuse, even if they are suffering from cognitive problems. Furthermore, it is often possible to back up claims of elder abuse from an individual suffering from dementia by discovering physical marks or uncovering evidence of financial abuse.
3. Find a lawyer
You’ll need to make sure that you have quality legal representation prior to filing a report of elder abuse, which will help to ensure that you have a successful outcome in court. Furthermore, a skilled lawyer will help you to understand the most likely outcome in your case, and they can offer guidance on how to proceed next.
4. File a police report and also contact adult protective services
Not only do you need to file a police report, but it’s also important to file a report with adult protective services. Adult protective services gets involved when an elderly or disabled individual is suffering abuse. While you are filing a report, you will have to fill out a series of forms, and the police and adult protective services staff will guide you through this process.