Options for Dealing With Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
No one wants to think about the possibility that a loved one who is living in a nursing home is being abused or neglected, but the fact of the matter is that studies have shown that as many as one in three facilities in the United States at some point will generate some sort of complaint or allegation. As such, people who have a loved one living in one of these facilities need to remain extremely vigilant so that they can take immediate action if they suspect that something is wrong and that their loved one is in some sort of danger of harm or additional harm.
Unfortunately, most people are not completely aware of what they should do if they encounter suspicions of mistreatment, and this lack of certainty can unnecessarily prolong the suffering for that nursing home resident. Some will speak to facility management about these concerns, but many times that will not necessarily accomplish the goal of bringing about an end to the conduct that is creating the problem. Below you will find a few options for action if you need to step in on behalf of a loved one.
The State of New York
Like every jurisdiction, there is a state authority that oversees the nursing home industry in New York. It is known as the New York State Department of Health, Nursing Home and ICF/MR Surveillance. This agency is the one that receives complaints regarding nursing homes and these complaints are reviewed by the agency’s Centralized Complaint Intake Unit. If an investigation ensues, that facility could face consequences if it is found to have committed state or federal violations.
Law Enforcement
Some forms of nursing home abuse are so egregious that they constitute crimes. For instance, if a resident is physically or sexually abused those who committed these acts could face criminal charges much like they would if they assaulted a person who was not a nursing home resident at the time. Investigations into these matters would also proceed much like those involving people who do not live in nursing homes.
New York Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Perhaps the best way for someone who suspects a loved one is being mistreated in this manner to proceed is to contact experienced New York nursing home abuse lawyers for help. Someone who handles these cases professionally will be able to help a family initiate the complaint process with the state, to contact the proper law enforcement personnel if necessary and of course to begin civil legal proceedings on behalf of the person who is being abused.
If you are concerned that a loved one is being abused or neglected while living in this type of a facility, the last thing you need right now is to engage in guesswork and to simply hope for the best. You need to take action that leads to fast results. Therefore, you should contact the New York nursing home abuse lawyers at The Fitzgerald Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.