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During the holidays, many of us are travelling to share time with relatives and friends. With all the hustle and bustle this time brings, it is important to remember our loved ones and friends in nursing, or assisted living, homes. Not only could this be a depressing time for them since they are separated from their normal routines, the care they receive with staff changing shifts and taking time off may not be of the highest quality.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says that on any given day approximately 1.4 million Americans reside in more than 15,800 nursing homes and/or assisted living facilities. The staff at these homes and facilities have a duty to attend to the necessities of the residents in their care. They are to be sure there is no neglect or abuse.

When visiting relatives and friends under the care of staff at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, according to SafeWise.com and HealthWatch.US News, it is important to:

Keep your eyes, ears and nose open.

Look around. Do you see any safety hazards; a hanging TV that is not strapped down or blocked exits? What about bruises, such as on the upper arms where staff may have handled Dad too roughly? Watch the staff. Are they affectionate, genuine, and helpful? 

Use your nose. Are there odors in the hallways and rooms?  They should not be the thing that greets you every time you are in the hall. 

Listen. Do you hear birds, music, laughter? Or do you hear creaky floors and clanging pipes? How do staff members talk to the residents. They should address residents respectfully, using their names or “Mr.” and “Mrs.” rather than pet names or terms.

Look for red flags.

Any change in personality, mood, sleeping or eating habits, or physical activity should be investigated. Not all signs of abuse show up as bruises or bedsores, although any sign of either should be reported immediately. If your loved one seems depressed, fearful or lethargic, your loved one could be overmedicated, and you need to take immediate action and talk to the unit supervisor or head nurse.

Talk to Your Loved One.

As long as your loved ones are still mentally sound, simply talking to them can be your best source of information regarding how they are being treated.  Ask them if they feel safe and respected.  Inquire how long it takes them to receive help when they push their call button.  Ask what type of diet they are being fed, if they are taking their medications appropriately, if they are getting exercise to the best of their ability, and if they are socializing with the other residents.

“If you have a loved one in a nursing home or an assisted living facility whom you feel may be being mistreated, contact the team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to discuss your rights,” says Naples Nursing Home Abuse Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Nursing Home Abuse Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.