Signs of Nursing Home Abuse 

Nursing home abuse is sadly far more common than people know. There are several signs of abuse to the elderly that may aid you in uncovering what is happening to your loved ones. By knowing these signs, you could easily protect the health and safety of your loved ones who are in nursing homes. 

When you put your loved one in a nursing home, you are expecting them to get the care that they need. When that doesn’t happen, it can be devastating. Many cases of neglect go unnoticed or under-reported, though. If you have a loved one in a long-term health care facility, then knowing the signs could help you prevent your loved one from abuse. 

General Evidence of Abuse 

Elder abuse should be taken seriously and you shouldn’t ignore the signs of abuse just because your loved one may be mentally ill. You can easily assume that an elderly individual is being abused if there are changes in their behavior and personality, or if there is frequent tension between your loved one and their caregiver. Since there are different types of abuse, we’ve compiled what to look for in each kind. 

Physical Abuse 

Here are some signs and symptoms of physical abuse, which include the following: 

• Having unexplained broken bones, dislocations, or sprains
• Bruising, scars, or welts seen on the body
• Failing to take medications properly 
• Signs of restraint, such as rope marks on the elder’s wrists or ankles
• Broken eyeglasses 
• The residual of the caregiver to let you be alone with your loved one 

Emotional Abuse 

Here are the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in the elderly: 

• Unusual behavior in the elderly person can resemble symptoms of dementia, including mumbling behaviors, sucking one’s thumb, or rocking. 
• Witnessing belittling, controlling, or threatening behavior
• Unexplained fear and anxiety around a caregiver 
• Refusing to talk or seeming withdrawn

Sexual Abuse 

The signs of sexual abuse can include the following: 

• Unexplained STDs r other genital infections
• Bruising near the genitals or around the breasts
• Stained, bloody, or torn underwear

Caregiver Neglect 

Caregiver neglect can manifest itself in some of the following ways: 

• Leaving an elderly person alone in a public location 
• Unsafe living conditions such as lack of heat, faulty wiring, fire hazards, or lack of running water 
• The elderly person is unsuitably dressed for the weather 
• Not bathing a person under their care 
• Not changing soiled bedding or clothing 
• The elderly person has bedsores from not being turned regularly 
• The elderly person having an unusual loss of weight or dehydration 

When you leave your loved one in the care of others, you suspect that they will have the proper care. By knowing the signs, you can help protect your loved one from the different kinds of abuse. If you suspect your loved one has been abused, reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer like our friends at Davis & Brusca, LLC for more information.