When an elderly nursing home resident faces abuse from a staff member,
another resident, or anyone else, you would expect that they would report
it. However, this is not always the case and there are many instances
in which abuse goes completely unreported.
As a result, the person responsible is left to go without facing the consequences of his or her actions.
Why wouldn’t someone facing abuse report it, though? What prevents them from talking to loved ones or the proper authorities about the pain from which they are suffering? There are many reasons this may happen, and as the family member of someone who may be abused, you should know them.
Fear of Retaliation
One big problem of abuse is that the abuser often tries to find a way to deter the elderly from reporting it. One way this happens is threats of retaliation. The abuser may tell the elderly that if they report it, they’ll only come back, and the abuse will be worse.
You should keep your loved one informed of their rights and let them know that if they report the abuse, an investigation will be conducted and if they are found to be in immediate danger, they will be removed from the nursing home facility for their safety.
Fear of Nobody Believing Them
Abusers often take advantage of a vulnerable situation. As such, they may be quick to tell the elderly individual that if they try to report the incidents, that nobody will believe them. They try to make it seem as though the words of the elderly are not enough to convince people abuse exists.
We know that there are plenty of things abusers will say to try and avoid problems with administration and authorities. Because of this, we encourage you to speak with your loved ones about abuse often and explain that they have rights as residents in a nursing home facility.
Our Cleveland nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to stand by your side and help you and your loved one report the abuse and hold the responsible party accountable. We’re not afraid of large corporations and we’re always willing to fight for what’s right.
Trust in Spangenberg Shibley & Liber to be your voice during this difficult time. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Call our firm today at (216) 600-0114 to determine your rights.
