Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

            In an effort to make as much money as possible, nursing homes are increasingly hiring employees that are not qualified nor properly trained to take care of elderly patients.  What oftentimes results from this is the abuse and neglect of nursing home residents.  More often than not, management is aware of this problem and they either turn a blind eye or they complaint to their regional manager who does nothing to help solve the problem.  The other problem is that many nursing home residents cannot complain due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  However, you can help you loved one by being on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect.

            Physical abuse can be anything from assault and battery to rape.  It can also be forced restraint (either physically or by using medications that keep the resident “zoned out” all of the time).  Emotional abuse may include humiliation, name calling, threats, ignoring a resident or placing a resident in isolation.  Neglect can be anything from withholding food or water, failure to change a resident’s bed clothes or adult diaper to withholding medications.

Obvious Signs of Abuse

·         Burns or abrasions;

·         Cuts;

·         Bruises;

·         Open wounds or bed sores;

·         Sudden weight loss;

·         Poor hygiene (leaving your loved one in their own feces or urine for extended periods of time);

·         Torn, stained or bloody clothes or bedding.

Not So Obvious Signs of Abuse

·         Your loved one becomes unresponsive or listless;

·         Strange behavior (especially if that behavior seems to be directed at one staff member);

·         Personal items disappearing;

·         Stolen money or unusual transfers (if the resident still handles their own finances);

·         Physical or emotional withdrawal.

Lastly, look out for any unusual activity by the staff.  For example if you arrive at the facility during regular visiting hours and the staff refuses or delays access to your loved one, or a staff member refuses to give you alone time with your loved one, these may be signs that something is wrong and you should contact the nursing home administrator immediately and make them aware of the problem.

If you believe that your loved one has been abused at a nursing home, please call us today for a free evaluation. (800) 554-9290.