www.rusklaw.com

1. Get involved and be informed. Call your ombudsman (the state agent who oversees elder care in your area) or the Department of Human Services and obtain a copy of the rules and regulations governing nursing homes. Know residents’ rights. The Capital Area Ombudsman may be reached at 1-888-622-9111. Many other nursing home resources are accessible on our Web site at www.rusklaw.com.

2. Make unscheduled visits. Pop in to see how your loved one is being treated when they don’t know you’re coming. Carefully check your loved one’s condition by looking under the sheets. Make sure the call and light buttons are within reach.

3. Read the charts. Don’t assume the facility is properly caring for your loved one. If you don’t understand what you read, ask questions. If you suspect improper treatment, ask for copies of the records and take them to an independent source for review.

4. If you have concerns, document them. Keep meticulous records of any problems you encounter, including dates, times and parties involved. Send a letter of concern to management with a copy to your ombudsman.

5. Create a resident advocate group of family members. Meet with family members of other residents on a regular basis to discuss concerns. Document the discussions and copy your ombudsman.

6. If you suspect abuse...start documenting your concerns both in writing and with photographs and videotape, the sooner, the better. Ask questions and write down what you are told.

1. Rapid weight loss
2. Development of bed sores
3. Broken bones
4. Injury resulting from use of restraint or lack of restraint
5. Heavy medication and sedation use in place of supervision
6. Caretaker cannot adequately explain condition
7. The occurrence of nursing home resident-on-resident violence
8. The resident is suddenly and unexpectedly emotionally upset or agitated, withdrawn or non-communicative
9. Resident known to be incontinent is left in his or her urine or feces
10. Unexplained falls
11. Unexplained or unexpected death

This article has been provided by The Rusk Law Firm, P.C. Austin, Texas (512) 476-7600 "A law firm that specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect cases". Click here to visit their website

NOTE: Nothing contained herein should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to create a lawyer-client relationship. In the event you have a legal problem, you should not act upon any information herein without seeking legal representation.

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