If your loved one experienced abuse in a nursing home or you are struggling with these challenges firsthand, you need to immediately take action and hold those responsible for mistreatment accountable. Moreover, it is important to understand that nursing homes also have the responsibility of addressing abuse properly. If you run a nursing home, make sure you thoroughly investigate and address any alleged instances of misconduct.
Regrettably, some nursing homes fail to address neglect and abuse, placing residents in danger.
What should nursing homes do when abuse occurs?
The U.S. Government Accountability Office states that nursing homes have a number of responsibilities when it comes to elder abuse. After recognizing abuse, nursing homes must report the incident(s) to the government and investigate the details surrounding the abuse. In some instances, government officials visit the nursing home in order to conduct an investigation. In some instances, certain workers at a nursing home have to immediately report wrongdoing to law enforcement, such as abuse that results in a serious injury.
What happens if nursing homes do not address abuse?
If a nursing home fails to address abuse properly, a number of consequences can arise. Sometimes, enforcement actions arise and if a nursing home fails to take corrective measures, the facility could face penalties. In addition to costly fines, some nursing homes lose the ability to participate in Medicaid and Medicare programs. Even though there are a number of ways in which the government aims to curb abuse in nursing homes, mistreatment continues to upend the lives of many patients across the country.
