Nursing Home Negligence at Alden North Shore Rehab and Health Care Center

If you are concerned about the safety of yourself or a loved one while in assisted living, there are things you can do to mitigate the risks of neglect or abuse.

Start with thorough research to find a highly rated nursing home with few complaints or health infractions. You can find these ratings on medicare.gov or read reviews from other residents and families online.

Tour multiple prospective facilities to see for yourself what the environment and staff are like. You might even stop in unannounced to briefly observe the daily goings on when there aren’t any tours for visitors planned.

Consult with family or close friends about what you want from an assisted living facility and the care you expect to receive. Documenting your wishes might come in handy in the future. When you do move into a facility, arrange for frequent visits and communication with loved ones so they can help monitor your care and support you.

Educate yourselves on the common signs of neglect and abuse. There are many, but here’s a list to get you started:

• Untreated severe bedsores
• Unexplained injuries like bruises, burns, or scars
• Evidence of poor circulation like sunken cheeks or eyes
• Weight loss or malnourishment not due directly to an illness
• Frequent trips to the emergency room or doctor
• Wrong type or the wrong amount of medication administered
• Poor hygiene or unwashed clothes or hair
• Instances of wandering or elopement
• Frequently misplaced or lost personal items
• A lack of basic necessities, including utilities, water, and food
• A dirty room or bathroom
• Frequent trouble sleeping
• Unusual violent or withdrawn behavior

If you observe or experience anything untoward, don’t be afraid to question staff about facility policies and protocols. It can be awkward to speak up if you are unsure if what you’ve experienced is criminal or if you don’t want to be perceived as complaining, but you always have the right to ask about your care. If you aren’t comfortable reporting something yourself, ask friends or family to help.

Document any questionable treatment you’ve experienced, and take your findings to the facility management as soon as possible. They should be willing to hear you out and take immediate corrective action. However, if they become dismissive or defensive and fail to make improvements, it may be time to seek legal aid.