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5 Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect Every Family Member Needs To Know

7 July 2016 by Franklin Vasquez

It can be emotionally unsettling to be in a position where you have to place your beloved family member in a nursing home for around-the-clock care. However, knowing that there is even the slightest risk for nursing home abuse and neglect can make the situation even more trying. As the family member in charge of your loved one's care, the best thing you can do to prevent abuse and neglect is to get to know the warning signs. Here are a few of the most common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.

1. Your loved one becomes socially withdrawn. - If your family member stops being involved in social situations, either within the care facility or with the rest of the family, it could be a sign of neglect or abuse. Elderly patients who feel abused may be apprehensive about telling about the situation out of fear, shame, or even because they don't want to be any trouble to you.

2. There are drastic changes in your loved one's emotional outlook. - If your family member is normally chipper and happy to see you, and then suddenly their temperament changes after being in the nursing home, it could be a sign of abuse or neglect. While there can be a short phase in the beginning when your loved one will be making an emotional adjustment, this is a period that should pass.

3. There are unexplained injuries. - Bumps and bruises, broken bones, and scrapes and cuts do happen on occasion, but there should be an explanation for these injuries. If you are noticing these unexplained injuries often, there could be abuse taking place and the facility should be investigated.

4. Your loved one appears unkempt or their room is dirty. - Keeping patient rooms clean is a major part of the nursing staff's responsibility. There should not be obvious signs of uncleanliness in the room, such as overflowing trash, soiled floors, or dirty linens. Likewise, your loved one should be kept clean as well, with clean clothing, hair, and skin.

5. Members of the nursing home staff are rarely present or available. - Those who are in a nursing home are there because they need someone within reach to help at all times. If you commonly notice that members of the staff are hard to find, there is a good chance it is the same way once you are not around. Even though this may not be intentional neglect and can come from being understaffed, it can lead to compromised care on behalf of your loved one.

If you suspect that your loved one may be the victim of abuse or neglect, contact an attorney in your area.

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