When you have a loved one in a nursing home, you trust they will receive proper care and respect. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant and aware of any changes in their behavior or physical condition that might suggest improper or abusive treatment. Understanding these signs can help you take action to protect them.
Types of nursing home abuse
Abuse at the hands of nursing home staff can take several forms:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting or shoving the victim
- Emotional abuse, such as threatening, manipulating or isolating the victim from loved ones
- Sexual abuse, such as raping, molesting or groping the victim
- Financial abuse, such as stealing money from the victim’s room, identity theft or manipulating the victim into making the staff member an heir to their estate.
- Neglect, including failing to keep the victim clean and fed, failing to rotate the victim enough to avoid bedsores and failing to administer medication properly.
A nursing home resident can experience any of these individually or in various combinations. The most common forms of reported elder abuse at American nursing homes are physical abuse (29 percent of cases), neglect (14 percent), sexual abuse (7 percent) and financial abuse (7 percent).
How to spot physical signs of nursing home abuse or negligence
You might notice unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns on your loved one’s body. These injuries can appear on visible areas like arms, legs, and the face, or in less noticeable spots, which could suggest they are not accidents. It’s important to ask about any injuries you see and get a clear explanation.
Another warning sign of nursing home abuse is poor personal hygiene. If your family member, who normally has clean clothes and well-groomed hair, starts to look unkempt or neglected, this could indicate a lack of proper care in the facility.
Furthermore, the decline in health can also signal serious issues. If your loved one suddenly begins to lose weight, shows signs of dehydration, or suffers frequent infections, these could be signs of elder neglect.
Behavioral changes
Behavioral changes are also significant indicators of elder abuse. If someone who is usually outgoing and sociable becomes withdrawn, avoids eye contact, or seems fearful around certain staff members, these could be signs of emotional abuse or neglect.
Pay attention to any sudden changes in mood or behavior, especially if they do not have a clear reason.
Environmental clues
Take note of the nursing home environment during visits. Unsafe or unclean conditions in the facility can indicate broader issues with care and management. Overcrowding, unpleasant smells, or poorly lit areas can also be warning signs that the quality of care is compromised.
Being proactive in recognizing and addressing signs of abuse in nursing homes is crucial for ensuring your loved one’s safety and well-being. By staying vigilant and attentive to physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators, you can help maintain a high standard of care and protect those who depend on it.
Risk factors for abuse and neglect
While abuse can happen in any long-term care facility, certain risk factors can make abuse more likely. Things to be on alert for include:
- Inadequate staffing levels
- Underpaid staff
- Inexperienced or poorly trained staff
- Staff hired despite a criminal record or other warning signs
- Inadequate supervision or accountability for mistakes and intentional abuse
- Individual risk factors, such as dementia and physical frailty, which could make a resident more vulnerable to abuse
A nursing home that lacks sufficient staffing levels to provide adequate care puts its residents at risk of neglect due to the staff’s lack of time to attend to each individual as it should. Likewise, a staff that lacks the necessary training and experience to do their jobs properly will be prone to mistakes that cause injury and suffering.
What to do if you suspect elder abuse against a family member
It can be highly upsetting to discover signs of abuse on someone you love, but you might also feel helpless to do anything about it. Contacting an attorney who represents victims of nursing home abuse can help start action against the facility.