Preventing Nursing Home Abuse in Phoenix
Residents of too many nursing homes inPhoenix and around the country suffer from abuse. In many cases, an experienced personal injury attorney can help families when nursing home abuse cases are reported. But when it comes to stopping nursing home abuse early, or even preventing it from happening altogether, families are far from helpless. If residents display a thorough knowledge of their rights and family members take vigilant, proactive steps, nursing home abuse in the Phoenix area and elsewhere can be dramatically curtailed. The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Cullan & Cullan can help you get the justice and compensation you and your elderly loved one deserve.
Preventing Nursing Home Abuse
- Know Your Rights: It is important that you find out what the residents’ rights are in nursing homes in the Phoenix area. Nursing home residents have the same right to dignified and respectful treatment as anyone else. Nursing home staff cannot open or monitor ingoing or outgoing communication between residents and their families (or anyone else). Furthermore, a mentally fit nursing home resident has the right to refuse medical treatments in most circumstances.
- Be Involved: Family members should take an active presence in their loved one’s nursing home care. Visit frequently, and ask your family member how he or she is being treated. Listen. Observe closely and be wary of signs of nursing home abuse. Speak to the nursing home staff to make sure they are following a care plan. Ask if the state allows you to install a camera in your family member’s room to monitor his or her living situation. Finally, get to know your family member’s roommates, neighbors, and friends. They are often in a position to witness abuse.
Worst Case Scenario
If prevention fails and you suspect your loved one has been abused in his or nursing home, you still have rights. But you must move quickly. In Phoenix and elsewhere, there are time limits on most nursing home abuse claims, called statutes of limitations, so you should consult with an injury lawyer as soon as you suspect abuse.
If you suspect your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect and are in the Phoenix, Arizona area, please contact Cullan & Cullan for a free consultation on the merits of your case.