When parents and family members require care in a nursing home or adult foster care, many people assess the building on a tour, placing their trust in the institution based on an abbreviated visit.  Once admitted, many elderly people are unable or unwilling to complain, and being raised in the Great Depression or Second World War, were often taught to suffer in in silence. However, there are signs that a loved one is not receiving the care he or she deserves.

When visiting, note that even if an elderly resident is silent, there are several obvious signs and less obvious signs that require intervening. The obvious signs include bedsores, unexplained falls, sudden weight changes, poor hygiene and infections. The less obvious signs include emotional withdrawal, disappearance of personal items and dehydration. The most important factor is to communicate with nursing home staff on a regular basis and expect staff to continue notifying you regarding any of the above changes.

Nursing homes can provide excellent care for your loved ones but often their employees are stretched too thin. Communicating your concerns with staff and administrators is important to hold providers responsible and ensure that there is a plan in place for a resident’s care.

Should you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated, you may wish to seek legal action to intervene before the mistreatment causes greater harm.  

Attorney Mark Dancer, who specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases, has recovered millions for families and victims of nursing home abuse. 

The estate planning attorneys at Dingeman & Dancer, PLC have represented clients in asset protection, creating trusts, and other specialized techniques. For more information, visit www.ddc-law.com.