A support group for elderly people who have suffered abuse or neglect at nursing homes or their family members will hold its first meeting this Thursday.

Called Families Against Nursing Home Abuse, the group is “coming together not only for emotional support, but to utilize this opportunity to turn a bad situation into a good outcome,” according to a news release.

The group hopes to ensure abuse and neglect situations are avoided and to make changes to local, state and national policies and procedures for elder care.

“We will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves,” the news release states.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Plaza Morena Restaurant at Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. People with questions can reach Jan Reshetar at (507) 402-4749 or Myrna Sorensen at (507) 383-6963.