There are a multitude of facilities that provide around-the-clock treatment for patients who cannot take care of themselves. If you have a loved one who resides in a care facility, you may rely on the facility and its staff members to provide a certain standard of care, but things do not always work out as planned.
Nursing home neglect continues to be a major concern for patients in California and finding ways to limit the changes your loved one might experience such negligence can seem a daunting task. Knowing some ways to address the well-being of a loved one who resides within a nursing home could be integral to achieving such a goal.
Signs to watch for
Studies suggest that there may be numerous steps to take when addressing the care provided to a loved one in a nursing home facility, such as:
- Path of treatment: Knowing the path of care set for your loved one could be vital to taking steps to determine whether he or she receives an acceptable standard of care.
- Nutritional concerns: It could also be helpful to check on your loved one’s nutrition to ensure he or she is maintaining an acceptable weight and staying hydrated.
- Health risks: The presence of neglect could increase the risks a patient might suffer health conditions such as pressure sores, and looking out for health concerns could also prove vital to protecting against such treatment.
- Additional assistance: If your loved one needs help performing certain tasks, such as going to the bathroom, checking to ensure they receive the necessary assistance could also be integral.
Nursing home neglect could take a significant toll on the well-being of a patient, and should you identify signs of abuse or neglect, you might be wondering about the next steps to take to protect your loved one’s interests.
The next steps
If your loved one receives inadequate care, the fallout thereof could take a significant toll on his or her health. Such concerns may leave you with questions about how to protect your loved one’s needs and on how to prepare to seek the restitution deserved should negligence lead to serious or life-altering harm. Fortunately, you do not have to face this alone and by seeking guidance on your available legal avenues, you could become better prepared to make informed choices about the situation.