Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Entrusting our elderly loved ones to a nursing home often comes with the hope that they will receive the utmost care in their twilight years. However, the heartbreaking reality is that some nursing homes fall short, and residents become victims of abuse. Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse early on can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes refers to the intentional infliction of pain, harm, or injury on a resident. This might manifest as unexplained bruises, welts, or scars, often on wrists or other easily-grabbed areas. Broken bones or sprains can also be indicative. 

If your loved one seems fearful around certain staff members or is hesitant to discuss their injuries, this could be a sign they are experiencing physical abuse in their nursing home. Make sure to document any suspicious injuries with photographs and dated notes.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse can be as detrimental as physical harm. It pertains to actions that cause emotional pain, distress, or anguish. This includes verbal assaults, threats, or other intimidating behaviors. Signs can be subtle, such as sudden mood swings, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, or unexplained changes in alertness. 

Listening to your loved one's concerns and observing their interactions with caretakers can offer insights. Documenting instances, dates, and times of observed behaviors or statements can be valuable evidence.

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to provide a resident with the care and service necessary to ensure freedom from pain or harm. This could be in the form of dehydration, malnutrition, or untreated health issues. 

If your loved one constantly appears disheveled, has bedsores, or their living conditions are consistently unclean, these could be clear indicators of neglect. Keeping a log of these signs and any conversations related to their care can be beneficial in building a case.

Financial Exploitation

Some unscrupulous individuals might take advantage of a resident's finances. This involves the unauthorized or improper use of their funds, property, or assets. Look out for significant withdrawals from the elder's accounts, items or cash missing from their rooms, or suspicious changes in wills or power of attorney designations. Promptly reporting and documenting any unauthorized transactions can be crucial in addressing their exploitation.

Isolation

Isolation can be a subtle yet insidious form of abuse. Caregivers might intentionally keep a resident away from others, limiting their social interactions and depriving them of their rights to family visits or participation in facility activities. Such actions can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a rapid decline in mental health. 

Residents might appear more withdrawn, refuse to participate in activities they once loved, or show symptoms of anxiety. Observing the frequency and quality of your loved one's interactions, as well as sudden changes in their social habits, can shed light on this silent form of mistreatment. It's essential to document instances of denied visits or any sudden shifts in your loved one's demeanor.

Medication Abuse

Improperly administering medication, either by over-medicating or withholding necessary medication, is another form of nursing home abuse. Over-medicating can be an attempt to sedate residents to make them more manageable, while withholding medication can be caused by negligence or used as a form of punishment.

Symptoms to watch for include sudden drowsiness, unexplained changes in behavior, or physical health decline without a clear medical reason. Keep track of your loved one's prescribed medications, the dosages, and the times they should be administered. Any deviation from this, or sudden alterations without a doctor's consultation, should raise red flags.

The safety and well-being of your loved ones should never be compromised. If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, reach out to Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC immediately. Together, we can ensure justice and safety for your loved one in this vulnerable stage of their life.