Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes happens more than you’d like to think.
Social isolation, mental health issues, and inadequate staffing all lead to abuse and neglect for nursing home residents. For this reason, it’s important to be observant when your loved one is living in a nursing home. The signs of neglect and elder abuse in nursing homes are easy to spot if you are looking for them.
If you are concerned about your loved one or just want to know what to look out for, here are the warning signs of nursing home neglect and abuse.
Bedsores
Bedsores are a common sign of elder neglect. These sores occur when your loved one has not been moved for a long period. If you are noticing bedsores, consider a new facility.
Dehydration
One sign of nursing home neglect is dehydration. This is a serious sign because dehydration can make existing health conditions even worse. Look for the signs of dehydration, including sunken eyes, confusion, and dry mouth.
Sudden and Usual Weight Loss
Sudden and unusual weight loss is a sign of elder abuse. If your loved one is inexplicably losing weight, they may be not be getting the proper nutrition from the nursing home. This can be a sign the food has no nutritional value or your loved one is not being fed.
Poor Hygiene
A common sign of elder abuse and neglect is poor hygiene. Many seniors who live in nursing homes are not able to take care of their basic needs, including their hygiene. If the nursing home staff are not taking care of their residents, you will notice poor hygiene.
Unexplained Physical Injuries
Unexplained physical injuries are a clear sign of elder abuse. Look for bruising, scratches, and sprained or broken bones. If you are noticing unexplained physical injuries on your loved one, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for more information on how to protect them.
Overmedication
One of the many types of elder abuse is overmedication. The nursing home staff may overmedicate your loved one so they don’t have to take care of them. Look for signs like unexplained lethargy, confusion, body aches, rashes, and skin flushing.
Mood Changes
An often unnoticed sign of elder abuse and neglect is mood changes. You may notice your loved one is suddenly fearful, angry, embarrassed, or withdrawn. If you have noticed mood changes, consider switching nursing homes.
These Are the Signs of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
If your loved one is in a nursing home, be on the lookout for these signs of neglect and elder abuse in nursing homes.
Bedsores, physical injuries, weight loss, and dehydration are all signs of abuse and neglect. If your loved one is experiencing sudden mood changes, has poor hygiene, or seems overmedicated, they may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
If you see any of these signs, moved your loved one as soon as possible.
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