Choosing a nursing home for someone you love is never easy. When you make that decision, you are placing trust in the hands of caregivers. You expect your parent, spouse, or relative to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.
Most facilities work hard to provide that care, but sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect can still happen.
Sometimes, the signs are obvious. Other times, they are subtle shifts in mood, unexplained injuries, or things that don’t sit right with you. The reality is that many nursing home residents can’t speak up for themselves. This is why families need to stay alert, ask questions, and know what to look for.
If you are worried about the type of care in your loved one’s facility, here are the most common signs of nursing home abuse.
Could Physical Abuse Be the Cause of Unexplained Injuries?
Physical abuse does not always look the way we expect. While bruises and broken bones are red flags, there are other, quieter signs that something may be wrong. You will want to look for:
- Unexplained injuries, especially in unusual places like the wrists, ribs, or hips
- Marks that might suggest restraints
- Frequent trips to the emergency room
- A sudden fear of being touched or reluctance to move
Sometimes, you may be told it was a fall or an accident. However, you may want to question the explanation if something feels off. Repeated injuries are something that you need to note and monitor.
Is Your Loved One Showing Signs of Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse does not leave physical marks. However, it can affect a person’s sense of safety and self-worth. This can often manifest as name-calling, threats, humiliation, or intentional isolation. You might notice:
- Sudden withdrawal from family or other residents
- Depression, anxiety, or unusual sadness
- Fearfulness, especially around certain staff members
- A once-outgoing loved one becoming quiet or jumpy
- Mumbling, rocking, or other self-soothing behaviors
If your loved one seems different, you should never brush it off. A change in mood or behavior could be their only way of telling you something is wrong.
Neglect Happens When Basic Needs Aren’t Being Met
Neglect happens when a resident’s hygiene, nutrition, or medical care is ignored. Sometimes, this is due to poor training or inadequate staffing. Keep your eyes open for:
- Dirty clothes or bed linens
- Body odor or unwashed hair
- Bedsores, especially if they seem untreated
- Weight loss or signs of dehydration
- Missed medications or medical appointments
You know what your loved one looks and sounds like when cared for. If something feels “off,” trust that feeling.
Sexual Abuse Is a Distressing Reality
No one wants to think about a loved one getting sexually abused, but it happens more than we would like to think. According to one U.S. Department of Justice study, between 1 to 3% of residents have been sexually abused. Nursing home residents, especially those with dementia or limited mobility, are at risk for sexual abuse. Some of these signs may include:
- Bruising or injuries near sensitive areas
- Torn or stained clothing
- New or unexplained fear of being touched or examined
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Sudden behavioral changes
If you suspect this kind of abuse, take immediate action to protect your loved one. Many times, this type of abuse is a criminal action, and you may need to get other agencies or law enforcement involved.
Is Someone Taking Financial Advantage of Your Loved One?
Financial exploitation can be hard to detect, especially if your loved one manages their affairs or has difficulty remembering details. Some telltale signs include:
- Missing cash, valuables, or credit cards
- Unusual withdrawals or charges
- Changes to wills, powers of attorney, or bank accounts
- Unpaid bills, despite having the means to pay
- A new “friend” who suddenly gets involved in financial matters
Even trusted caregivers can take advantage of your loved one. To protect them, you will want to review your finances regularly and stay involved.
What Are Warning Signs in Staff Behavior or the Facility?
You want your loved one to be in a safe and maintained space. Staff and administrators should be knowledgeable and caring, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes, it is not your loved one who shows signs of abuse, but the environment around them may be prone to neglect or abuse. Some red flags might include:
- Staff being dismissive, impatient, or evasive with you
- High staff turnover or clear understaffing
- Call lights going unanswered for long stretches
- A facility that smells of urine or seems unclean
- Residents who look fearful or uncomfortable around caregivers
If you feel like you’re being kept at arm’s length or discouraged from visiting, take that seriously. Transparency and open communication are the signs of a good facility.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Abuse?
If something does not feel right, say something. You should start by documenting your concerns.
Take notes and photos and keep a record of your observations. You should also ask questions and speak with the facility director or nursing supervisor. If you don’t get clear answers or see improvement, report your concerns to Washington’s long-term care ombudsman or adult protective services.
You can also contact the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC. We understand the seriousness of any type of abuse or neglect in these facilities.
We can help you take the next steps to protect your loved one and get the justice they deserve if they have been harmed in these facilities.
