Blog Topic

Signs of Abuse or Neglect in Nursing Homes
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
June 26, 2011

An estimated 2.1 million elderly Americans are victims of abuse and neglect each year. This number comes as a shock to many people, for it's assumed that if you're an adult, you'll stick up for yourself. But, what if I told you that many nursing home residents have limited communication ability, making the task of reporting abuse or neglect quite difficult?

Because of this, it becomes increasingly important that the family members of nursing home residents watch out for certain signs of abuse and neglect with their loved one. Below are some signs to watch out for:

-Physical abuse: Physical abuse is the most commonly pictured type of abuse. It's also one of the easiest to spot if you watch out for it. Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, sores, and welts, abnormal shaking, excessive weight loss, lack of medication (making symptoms worse), or too much medication (causing extreme drowsiness, excessive sleeping, etc...). Again, these are physical signs on your loved one you can watch out for. With this, make sure you're watching how the caretakers interact with other patients, as well. If you notice others being deprived, forced to do things, or unreasonably restrained, chances are they're mistreating your loved one, as well.

-Neglect: This is also easy to spot if you look for it because you can see it. Typical signs of neglect include dehydration, malnutrition, bed sores, poor hygiene, infections, poor living conditions, fleas/lice, wrong clothes for the weather, failure to protect from health and safety hazards (such as installing bars or a lack of sanitation), and an overall disregard for the patients and living areas.

-Emotional/mental abuse: This one is more difficult to spot, because there isn't a physical quality to see. The easiest way to spot emotional or mental abuse is by interacting with your loved one. Some signs that a nursing home resident may be subject to emotional/mental abuse is easy irritation, withdrawal from interacting with you and others, unusual behavior for them (ex: biting, rocking, sucking, etc...), and the desire to be isolated. The best way to spot emotional abuse is by paying attention. You know your loved one better than anyone. If something seems out of character for your loved one, it's probably happening for a reason. Don't be afraid to look into it.

-Sexual abuse: This type of abuse is also more difficult to see, as it is more personal. Signs of sexual abuse include bleeding, bruises, scars, pain, or itching of a person's genital area, rectum, mouth, or breasts. Also, look out for torn, stained, or bloody underwear. Additionally, look for a change in personality. If you notice your loved one is feeling depressed, wanting to be alone, crying a lot, or suddenly avoiding certain places, people, or a specific gender, look more deeply into it. It may seem a awkward and personal, but the best thing you can do is communicate with your loved one about your concerns.

With many nursing home residents having limited communication ability, it leaves them at risk for many types of neglect and abuse. By simply paying attention to your loved one and their lifestyle, abuse and neglect can be more easily seen and reported. If you believe your loved one is being neglected or abused, call Knapp & Roberts' experienced attorneys. Your loved one deserves to feel safe in the care of someone else. We can't get back the time your loved one has been abused, but we can help prevent it from happening again to them or someone else.

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