Nursing Home Attorneys

Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, New York City, NY

 

Nursing Home Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I recognize elder abuse?
Obvious signs of nursing home abuse are any physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, scars, or pressure ulcers. If your loved one or caretaker seems to have an unusual or unlikely story about how physical injuries happen, or they happen often, it may be a sign of abuse. If your loved one is the victim of physical abuse that does not manifest physical signs, or verbal abuse, he or she may exhibit changes in behavior such as timidness, depression, or extreme sadness.

 

How do I recognize elder neglect?
Neglect is usually a more difficult thing to prove due to the lack of physical evidence. If your loved one has lost weight quickly, he or she may have been denied food or water. If your loved one appears messy or unkempt, he or she may not be receiving grooming or cleansing assistance. If your loved one is being denied basic services like recreational or social interaction, he or she may exhibit behavioral changes and isolating behavior. If your loved one is being denied medical services, he or she may experience unexpected health problems.

 

What mistakes do families make when choosing a nursing home for their loved one?
First of all, assuming that all nursing homes deliver high quality care is inaccurate. Yes, there are very specific codes that facilities must follow, but annual state inspections are not enough to ensure high levels of care throughout the year. Families make the mistake of choosing a home based on one or two factors, like cost or physical attributes. We also see families who choose too quickly, without spending enough time visiting many local homes. Remember that you cannot assume a facility is always clean and orderly because it happens to be neat during your visit. You may need to visit a particular home 3 or more times on differing days during the week or weekend to do a more comprehensive assessment. Family members often fail to talk to other residents, assess key factors like turnover rate of staff, review state inspection reports, and ask if the facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid.

 

What should I do if think my loved one is a victim of abuse?
The nursing home lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos do not recommend following signs of abuse or neglect on your own. Talk to one of our Long Island negligent security lawyers for advice on how to ensure your loved one’s safety, how to secure proof of abuse or neglect, and how to file a claim against a facility. Our investigators may be able to get access to details or signs of unacceptable care that the average person could not access. If you have proof that your loved one is being abused, the local police should be contacted.

 

We’re here to help. For help investigating unfair treatment of your loved one, trust the nursing home attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos to handle your claim. Contact our office today for a free legal consultation, serving the New York area, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County.

 

 

 

Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.
Call Us Toll Free
1.877. ASK 4 SAM