Assisted living facilities are ideal for many older adults, as they protect some of the independence they want while still providing some care that they need. Assisted living facilities operate in a few ways, depending on which type you choose. Some offer around-the-clock care in a private apartment or residency, while others have nurses who help only with certain tasks throughout the day or on days they’re needed.
Most assisted-living abuse is physical, sexual or psychological. Sometimes, it can be financial as well. In each case, the resident has the opportunity to speak out about the abuse, but only if they have someone they can turn to for assistance. For this reason, it is important to make regular visits to a loved one’s assisted-living home, so you can discuss their care and if they have any concerns.
Since the staff is not with your loved one as often in assisted living, the opportunity to cause abuse is limited. That doesn’t stop it from happening, but it can help you figure out who is causing your loved one harm if it does happen.
For example, if your loved one has bruises or lacerations between your last two visits and you know that only two nurses were working with them, it narrows down the potential culprits and gives you an opportunity to reach out to the facility’s manager for assistance. You can also have a better conversation with your loved one about the care they have received and what they think about specific care providers.
Our site has more on what to do if your loved one is a victim of abuse. The right approach can help you protect them and their rights.
