Residents in Massachusetts and other states cannot help but think about the future. Whether they are planning for themselves or a loved one, long-term care facilities are often thought about as individuals and family members age. While nursing home facilities are an effective way to ensure elderly loved ones obtain the care they require, they are also institutions where negligence and abuse are known to occur.
When loved ones are placed in a nursing home, we rely on that facility to take on major roles. And while many institutions can meet these standards, not all do. Thus, the quality of care provided by a nursing home facility should not only be overlooked by those keeping loved ones there but the federal government should also keep a close eye on these facilities to reduce nursing home abuse and neglect.
Over the past year, much talk has been made about the federal government regulating nursing homes in order to reduce nursing home neglect and abuse. Some progress has been made as some states have passed policies. Much of these policies focused on surveillance and recovering evidence of abuse and neglect.
While this is a step in the correct direction, much focus remains on arbitration clauses contained in nursing home agreements. These clauses make it difficult to assert negligent or abuse claim, depriving victims of any awards or damages owed to them.
Making nursing home abuse and neglect a federal issue could help address problems with negligent staff, inadequate accommodations an even abuse going on among residents. Taking a bigger stance on nursing home could help the growing population that will soon enter these facilities as well.
If you believe that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should not be deterred from taking a stand. There are recourses available, and if you take prompt action, you could obtain compensation owed to you.
Source: The Global Dispatch, “Nursing Home Abuse Needs To Be A Priority For The Federal Government,” Dec. 4, 2015
