If you have elderly loved ones living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you can take the following steps to help prevent abuse or neglect:
Understand and look for common signs of abuse or neglect
Visit or check in with your loved one regularly
Get to know the main caregivers working with your loved ones
Report your concerns to the staff and other authorities
Thoroughly research all nursing home options before moving your loved ones in
Under federal law, nursing homes must investigate and report allegations of abuse and neglect as well as instances of unexplained injuries. While looking up this history for each nursing home is helpful, it is important to remember that this information is self-reported and nursing homes may underreport incidents or misrepresent their quality of care. You should also search elder abuse agencies for reports on specific nursing homes.