As a nursing home attorney TN trusts, I’ve seen firsthand that nursing home abuse is much more prevalent than we’d like to think. Although nursing homes exist to keep elderly people healthy and safe, elder abuse is distressingly common. In fact, some studies estimate that one in six older adults living in community settings experience this each year.

Nursing home abuse takes different forms, including:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Abandonment
  • Sexual abuse or molestation
  • Financial exploitation or fraud

Any form of nursing home abuse is a serious threat to a senior’s well-being. Abused elders face a 300% higher risk of death in the years following their abuse in contrast to those who were not victims of mistreatment.

But the global pandemic has decreased oversight in nursing homes, making it even harder to spot elder abuse and neglect.

The coronavirus pandemic has put nursing home residents in an even more vulnerable position.

Though we all must take necessary precautions and practice social distancing to protect ourselves from COVID-19, elders face an additional risk.

Most facilities across the country have restricted outside visitation in an effort to avoid the spread of the virus. But with much less frequent visits from family members and friends to check on them, nursing home residents may find themselves facing abuse that goes unchecked.

This is why it’s imperative we stay vigilant during this critical time.

Here’s what you can do to keep your loved ones safe.

  • Research the facility. Understaffing plays a critical role in almost all cases of nursing home abuse. You can use Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool to check facilities for their staff levels, health inspections, and other criteria.
  • Visit frequently, if possible. An in-person visit is the best way to check the conditions of a nursing home. Check for things like regular hand washing, basic safety protocols, and sanitation practices. If you can’t visit in person, do your best to call or video chat with your loved one regularly.
  • Take any concerns you have to an administrator. Trust your intuition. If anything feels off to you, report it to an administrator at the facility right away.

Get help from a nursing home attorney TN trusts.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, speak to a nursing home attorney TN trusts today. We will go over the details of your unique situation and answer every question you have. The consultation is absolutely free, with no strings attached.

We have the compassion and experience to fight for you and your family. We have helped many families get justice, and we can do the same for yours. Call us at (901) 327-2100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.