Safety Tips for Nursing Home Patients

Keeping Your Elderly Loved One Safe

This is a challenging time for all of us, but when we have a loved one in a nursing home, it can be especially difficult due to visitation restrictions. While the easing of COVID-19 restrictions is starting to happen in Springfield-Greene County, it’s still unclear if nursing homes will be letting family members visit their loved ones. If you are worried about your elderly loved one’s safety during the pandemic, here are some tips on ensuring they remain safe.

Checking on Your Loved One

You have the right to check on your elderly loved one who is living in a nursing home. Keep in contact with the staff and ask for updates on how they are working to avoid the spread of COVID-19 as well as if they have any plans to allow visitors as the Springfield-Greene County eases up on restrictions.

Know The Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Your elderly loved one deserves to have the best care while living in a nursing home. However, due to visitation restrictions, it’s impossible to check on them physically, and if your loved one is reluctant to speak up, the abuse could continue.

The following are the common warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:

• Malnourishment
• Unexplained cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Sudden behavioral or mood changes
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers
• Reluctant to speak in front of staff members
• Unsanitary living conditions

What to Do If you Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected by nursing home staff members, it’s critical to report it to nursing home administrators and the proper authorities.

At Strong Law, P.C., we firmly uphold the laws requiring nursing homes to provide the quality of care all residents deserve. Our Springfield nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to help you learn your rights when it comes to the mistreatment of your elderly loved one.