Nursing Home Abuse

What to Do If You Suspect a Loved One is Suffering from Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Many people have a loved one such as a parent or grandparent in a nursing home. If someone close to you is in a nursing home, it is important that you know how to recognize the signs of abuse and/or neglect. It is a sad but true fact that abuse and neglect does occur in some nursing homes.

The first sign you will want to look for is weight loss. Many senior citizens do lose weight when they move into a nursing home. However, if you feel your loved one isn't being fed properly, you need to speak up and find out what they're eating and when they're eating. If the case is that your loved one is unable to eat properly or refuses to do so, there are supplements and meal replacement drinks that can be used.

Another sign to look for is bruising of the skin. Like with weight loss, some bruising is normal. Many seniors bruise easily. However, if it appears there has been rough treatment or there are too many bruises to be accidental, it should raise a red flag.

Sores are another thing to look for. This is especially true with nursing home residents who are bedridden. A bedridden individual must be turned at the proper intervals to avoid bedsores. If your loved one has bedsores it may be an indication that they are not being turned as required.

Depression and anxiety is another potential sign of abuse and/or neglect. However, this is yet another area where this may be normal for a new nursing home resident. Abuse is a very serious accusation, but one that should be investigated if you feel there is anything out of the ordinary.

When abuse and/or neglect does occur, it is usually due to a caretaker and may not even be observed by the management. You should go directly to the nursing home administrator if you have any concerns or problems with the care your loved one is getting.