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5 points to know when your parent is in a nursing home

Helping your parent move into a nursing home is often a difficult experience. You probably don’t want to think about your parent needing care from others. When this does happen, you must take steps to ensure your parent remains safe and receives optimal care. Keep these points in mind once your parent moves into the nursing home.

#1: All residents have rights

Nursing home residents have specific rights. These rights might vary from one home to another. However, they are universal for all nursing facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid. Your parent has the right to dignified care. He or she also has the right to participate in decisions about the care. Additionally, all nursing home residents have the right to complain about issues, receive appropriate care and assistance and the right to avoid being restrained. Other rights also exist. Residents should receive a copy of their rights when they enter the facility.

#2: Residents might suffer abuse

Even though residents have the right to enjoy their days in the nursing home, there is still a chance that your parent might suffer abuse at the hands of the people who should care for him or her. While physical abuse is the most commonly thought of type, other types of nursing home abuse are also possible. This includes emotional and sexual abuse. Some senior citizens in nursing homes even suffer from financial abuse.

#3: Residents can suffer from neglect

Not all nursing homes provide residents with the best care. Nursing home neglect does occur in some homes. This can include not helping them to use the bathroom, not cleaning up as needed, not providing medical care or not making sure they receive proper care. Malnutrition and dehydration can occur. Falls are another possibility when nursing home neglect is present.

#4: The signs might not always be readily noticeable

Some signs of nursing home abuse and neglect aren’t readily noticeable. Physical abuse might result in bruises and cuts. Emotional abuse might result in the resident becoming withdrawn or acting out of the ordinary. Some residents might exhibit signs that are usually found in patients with dementia.

#5: Seeking compensation is possible

Nursing home residents who suffer harm because of abuse or neglect can file a complaint against the facility. These victims can also choose to seek compensation for their injuries and the damages.

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