The first and most important piece of information you need to know if you suspect that your loved one is in any kind of life-threatening danger anywhere, is to call 911 or the local law enforcement agency in which the abuse is occurring. In Alabama , if you suspect abuse but don’t believe it is life threatening, you can contact the Alabama Department of Public Health or an Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Attorney.

Nursing homes have been regulated by the United States Federal Government since Medicare and Medicaid services were first offered in 1965. The guidelines that were developed at that time have evolved over the years and are now governed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As part of enabling enforcement, the rules and regulations have defined standards to prevent abuse to nursing home residents including those residing in Alabama .

The definition of elder abuse includes any mental or physical injury or death caused by the willful act or recklessness of another person through word or deed, or even in the failure to act to prevent such injury or death from occurring. This includes neglect. If a resident has bruises, broken bones, or experiences a sudden change in physical or mental health, abuse should always be suspected and duly reported in a request for an investigation.

The State of Alabama considers treatment of a nursing home resident that includes hitting, slapping, punching, pinching, or poking to be physically abusive. Touching or exposure of the body’s private parts for anyone’s sexual gratification without the expressed, informed consent of the resident is sexual abuse and is also prohibited by law.

A nursing home resident should not be threatened with punishment, intimidated, or humiliated for any purpose. Instances of mental abuse have been reported due to practices that seclude residents against their will, preventing them from interacting with other residents or not allowing the resident to access his/her room. (Brief acts of monitored seclusion, however, may be allowed under certain circumstances.) Use of verbal, written, or gestured language that may covey derogatory or disparaging remarks is also considered abuse, even if the mental state or disability of the resident prevents comprehension.

In Alabama , monitoring of nursing home and caregiver provided assistance is not always adequate. If you suspect that the rights of a nursing home resident or other person subject to the attentions of a caregiver are being violated, immediate action should be taken. An Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Attorney or Lawyer can be contacted to give counsel or to pursue action in order to assure that the safety and well being of the victim are protected.

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