Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?

5 Signs That Your Loved One In A Nursing Home May Be Being Abused

20 September 2016

Deann Miles

If you have elderly loved ones, you're undoubtedly doing everything in your power to ensure that they're as happy, healthy, and safe as possible. You've probably heard all kinds of horror stories about senior citizens being abused and taken advantage of by in-home caregivers, but did you know that this sometimes occurs in nursing homes as well? If one of your loved ones is living in a nursing home, you should keep your eyes peeled for telltale signs that they may be a victim of abuse. Following are five signs that your loved one may be experiencing abuse in a nursing home. 

Something Isn't Quite Right

Even though many people are reluctant to trust their instincts, you should always listen to them when dealing with people you know and love. If your intuition tells you that something is off, it's very likely that it is. At the very least, a nagging feeling that something isn't right in the nursing home environment should warrant some investigation on your part. 

Denied or Delayed Visits 

Being turned away when going to visit your loved one in a nursing home or being told you'll have to wait for longer than a minute or two are other possible signs of abuse. This may indicate that something is going on that nursing home employees don't want you to see. 

Hair or Weight Loss

Although illness may account for hair or weight loss in the elderly, these conditions can also signal that your loved one is under significant stress. Weight loss may also indicate that the person is not being fed a proper diet or even denied food, which is a form of abuse.

Substandard Hygiene 

Dirty clothing, uncombed hair, body odor, and dirt and grime on the skin should be taken as warning signs that your loved one is being neglected, if not outright abused. Also, be sure to periodically inspect the sleeping, living, and dining quarters in the nursing home to ensure their cleanliness standards are up to par. 

Physical Signs 

Bruises and wounds should be taken as serious signs that something is very wrong in the nursing home environment. Keep in mind that your senior loved one may not be forthcoming with information if he or she has experienced abuse in the nursing home -- the perpetrator might have threatened them into keeping silent. 

For more information on how you can keep your loved one safe from abuse in a nursing home, please feel free to contact a nursing home abuse attorney at your earliest convenience.   

 

Share

Search