Nursing home negligence and abuse is an all too frequent type of personal injury, suffered by hundreds, if not thousands, of elderly people every year. Not-so-encouraging statistics have suggested that nearly one-third of all nursing homes are guilty of imparting some type of mistreatment or harm to its residents.

While some victims and their family members work up the courage and strength to file a claim against the entity, many opt not to, due to fear, lack of understanding and loss of faith that things will ever change, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Several law firms and lawyers represent cases like this every day, defending the rights of families and individuals.

However, there are ways to keep it from ever even getting to this point. Not that filing a claim is an ineffective approach, but wouldn’t it be better if negative, detrimental incidents never even had the chance to occur? When it comes to your loved ones, insuring their health and welfare should be of utmost importance and priority and there are steps you can take to keep them safe.

Do They Really Need to Go to a Nursing Home

First off, ask yourself and your family if it is absolutely necessary that your elder relative go to a nursing home. Sure, sometimes this is the only practical option, but in some situations, families can coordinate another option. All-too-often, people just default to the adult-care-facility option, worried nothing else will work. However, whatever choice you all make should be based on the specific situation at hand—not based off of whatever the “norm” is.

If So, Conduct a Background Check

Yet, if it is determined that professional care is the route you all must take, consider conducting a background check on the entities you all are considering. Just as an employer wouldn’t hire someone without first checking their record, you shouldn’t entrust a group of people to care for your loved one unless they pass an extensive, thorough test. If there’s anything you don’t trust, you know to move on and find another option. Also, part of your background check should cover whether or not the company does background checks before hiring its employees.

Professionals in the field have noted time and again how proper employee screening and supervision are an effective way to decrease and possibly eliminate elderly abuse cases—proving the power of a thorough background check. Some worry about the cost that goes with it, but can you really place a price on your loved one’s life?

So, if you and your family are currently facing a decision such as this, consider the tips and suggestions listed above—they might save you some heartache, headache and hassle.

Working for one of the best background check companies, Jane Smith offers insight and advice on the subject through her blogs. She welcomes you to email her your questions, comments or concerns at janesmith161@gmail.com.