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It can be stressful when you are unable to care for your elderly loved one. If they are in a nursing home or assisted living facility then you need to make sure that they are getting the best possible care while they are away from home too. When they don’t receive the level of care you expect and you suspect abuse or neglect, you will need a nursing home abuse lawyer Evanston Illinois.
Things don’t always go smoothly, especially when abuse is involved. As a family member or caregiver looking out for your loved one’s well-being, it’s important to know what signs to look out for so that you can prevent any problems before they happen. The attorneys at Carlson Bier Associates are here to help you and your family. Contact us at 312-622-2900 for a consultation.
1 – Become familiar with your loved one’s medical history and medications
If your loved one is taking any medications, it’s important to be aware of what they are used for and how they work. You should also be familiar with possible side effects and know how to contact the doctor if you have questions or concerns about the medications.
Make sure that you keep a list of all your loved one’s medications and dosages organized in one place so that it’s easy for everyone involved to access this information at any time. It is not uncommon for inexperienced personnel to provide the wrong medication or incorrect dosage. When that happens, it can be considered abuse and you may be able to pursue a claim. The nursing home abuse lawyer Evanston Illinois at Carlson Bier is here to help.
When you are choosing a nursing home, make sure to ask questions about the facility’s policy on medication management. Ask what they do to ensure patients’ safety if they’re taking their medication. Find out how medications are tracked at your loved one’s facility and how often they’re checked for accuracy.
Also ask about how side effects are monitored, as well as interactions between different drugs being taken at once. Be sure that your loved one has been screened for allergies before being admitted and ask again during his stay if he becomes aware of an allergy after moving into his new home.
2 – Make sure that your loved one has a private room
When you want to ensure your loved one has adequate privacy and can rest, a private toom is very important. It is especially important for those with dementia or other cognitive impairments who may have trouble communicating their needs to others. A shared room might be fine when you’re first getting used to living in a nursing home, but if your loved one starts having problems with other residents or staff members, then he or she will need privacy as soon as possible.
Consider whether the facility offers special rooms for those who need extra help with bathing and grooming themselves. A private room will also be better so you can add personal touches, like furniture from home, photos, and other things that will bring them comfort and joy.
Although the cost is a bit higher, depending on the needs of your loved one, a private room may be the best option. A private room however, does not guarantee that abuse will not occur. If you do suspect neglect or abuse, the nursing home abuse lawyer Evanston Illinois will help you with your claim. We have worked with numerous families to protect their loved ones and get them compensation for injuries or even death.
3 – Speak with the staff regularly to ensure that they are treating your loved one well
As a family member or caregiver, it’s important to speak with the staff regularly. You should be able to see that your loved one is being treated well and receiving proper care.
The frequency of these conversations will depend on the situation and your relationship with the staff members, but it’s important that you’re able to have them at least once every few days, depending on how often you visit and call. If something seems off during one of these conversations, don’t hesitate to follow up later by asking questions about what happened.
It’s important not to let things slide. Instead, if something does not look right, speak up immediately and don’t leave without taking action sooner rather than later.
4 – Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer Evanston Illinois to assist you
Be assertive when it comes to your loved one’s care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions about how things could go better next time around. This can help all parties understand each other better and maybe even prevent future mistakes.
If you have any questions about how to prevent nursing home abuse, or if you have concerns about the care and treatment of a family member, contact Carlson Bier Associates today.
