Nursing homes are private institutions that provide shelter, food, and care for the sick and elderly. Since nursing homes do not actually provide complex medical treatment, they are not considered hospitals. However, many institutions could be considered as a medical care facility for certain purposes, depending on the statutes that govern their operation.

There are four different types of nursing home facilities that offer separate “levels” of care for residents. From the lowest level of nursing care to the highest, these include adult boarding homes, residential care facilities, intermediate care facilities, and skilled nursing care facilities. Depending on how a nursing home is classified, different standards will apply. For example, state and federal governments regulate skilled and intermediate nursing care facilities since they are generally participants in Medicaid and Medicare programs. All nursing care facilities are mandated to build and implement programs, written policies, and procedures forbidding maltreatment and abuse to its residents.

Overcome the Fear of Placing a Loved One in Nursing Care

If you are currently considering a nursing care facility for your sick or aged loved one, you may be afraid to commit out of fear that they may be mistreated, exploited, or ignored. For this reason, it is important to educate yourself in order to feel safer about placing your loved one in a nursing home. Also, be sure to research several facilities for a better chance at finding the institution that can properly meet and exceed their medical care or nursing needs.

You are also likely to have many questions regarding your concerns and more, and you are not alone. Below you will find a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding nursing home abuse and neglect. Use this information to protect your loved one against mistreatment and more, and ensure a loving and enriched retirement for those you love so much.

What Behaviors are Considered Neglect in a Nursing Home?

When a nursing care facility fails to provide sufficient services that are essential to the health and safety of their residents, whether intentional or not, they are guilty of neglect. These services include food, shelter, safety, supervision, clothing, medical care, and more.

If a Resident Complains or Accuses a Nursing Home of Mistreatment or Neglect, What Will Happen Next?

Every state has a system in place for reporting allegations of nursing care abuse, exploitation, or neglect. This system involves an investigation that consists of interviews with the alleged victim, their family, and the staff. If maltreatment is suspected, Adult Protective Services will enter the scene and provide their assistance. It is important for the victim and family to retain the services of a licensed personal injury attorney before the investigation begins. This will ensure just compensation for any losses and damages caused by the mistreatment or neglect.

What are the Rights of Nursing Home Residents?

The law, both federal and state depending, provides nursing home residents several rights. These rights include, but are not limited to, being free of verbal, mental, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. They also have the right to not be subjected to purposes. Although a resident can be retrained by doctor’s orders if they pose a threat to themselves and others, unnecessary physical or chemical restraint intended for disciplinary purposes is illegal. Nursing home residents also have a right to a safe and comfortable environment at all times, proper medical care, and sufficient food, clothing, hygienic cleaning, and more. Talk to a nursing home neglect lawyer for details about resident rights’.

Can a Resident Still Sue a Nursing Home for Maltreatment if They Have No Contract With Them?

If a nursing home resident does not have an official contract with the facility, and they are subjected to maltreatment or neglect, they still have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit and injury claim against the facility. There are numerous legal theories that allow nursing home neglect victims, or survivors of victims, to sue the home even without a contract.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about nursing home neglect and abuse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have decades of trial and litigation experience representing victims of nursing home abuse. They offer free initial consultations to hear your story and determine your eligibility for filing a claim, and never collect attorney fees unless they win your settlement. Call us at 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with a seasoned nursing home abuse lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.