Nursing homes are not a place most people want to be. Most elderly people would rather stay in their own homes the rest of their lives instead of living in a nursing home. Nobody wants to place a loved one in a nursing home, but sometimes there is no other choice.
Making sure a loved one will receive proper care is a worry for many people and rightly so, as many nursing homes receive citations for abuse, neglect, injury, or even death of residents.
Inadequate staff member screening along with overcrowding can lead to dangers for the elderly residents who are unable to protect themselves.
Many elderly nursing home residents are unable to communicate or are afraid to report abuse or neglect so it is important for loved ones to be on the lookout for signs.
- Visit frequently, at different times of the day and evening.
- Make it known, without actually saying it, that you are watching for signs of abuse and neglect, not just of your loved one, but for others as well.
- Tell your concerns to the nursing home director.
- Ask plenty of questions, including the name and contact information of the state agency in charge of licensing nursing homes.
- If you want a secret way to see how your loved one is treated, consider a hidden camera to record what happens during the day. There is no better evidence than having actual video of nursing home abuse and neglect.
- A regular video camera will not work, but a "nanny cam" or "stealth cam" is perfect. These types of "undercover" cameras allow you to record without the camera attracting attention.
- Some cameras are motion-activated or also have a timer that provides still photos on a memory card.
- Make sure the hidden camera you choose shows a visual time and date stamp on images and video.
If you suspect or videotape neglect, do not hesitate to call the Police. The immediate safety of your loved one is an immediate emergency. Then, contact your local Department of Health. Usually a division of your local Department of Health deals with nursing home regulations, conducts surveys, and investigates complaints. File an immediate complaint with your state agency.