Warning Signs That Your Family Member Is Being Abused In a Nursing Home

According to the CDC, there are about two million older adults residing in care homes across the US. While the bulk of the homes provide professional and humane care to their clients, there are those that only care about money or don’t monitor their caregivers in case there are neglect and abuse cases. For this reason, you must take all the promises you are given with a grain of salt and ensure you frequently check on your loved one at the nursing home. Here are a few telltale signs of nursing home neglect and abuse that you should watch out for: Poor hygiene Many nursing home residents are not strong enough or don’t have the mental capacity to groom themselves. It is up to the care home to ensure they are cleaned and well-groomed with or without the senior’s permission. Poor personal hygiene is nothing short of an indication that the home is understaffed, the caregivers are unqualified, or the facility just doesn’t care. Body odor, unkempt hair, dirty clothes, and foul smell are all signs to look out for. Physical injuries Physical injuries that the facility’s management can’t explain should not be taken lightly. Ask your senior how they sustained the injury if they can express themselves. If they can’t, perhaps due to dementia or some other mental condition, demand an explanation from the people in charge. If you don’t receive a satisfactory one, assume the worst and check with nursing home abuse attorneys. Malnutrition As we grow old, we slowly lose appetite, and our bodies can’t put ingested food to good use anymore. Consequently, we become frail and malnourished. But that’s not to say this is always a product of the aging process. Sudden weight loss or dehydration signs could be an indication that your senior isn’t getting enough food or water. Psychological issues If you have lived with your loved one long enough, you should have a nodding acquaintance with their mood and behaviors. Pay attention to any sudden changes in personality or emotional shows when they see you. If they burst into tears or appear fearful, angry, upset, agitated, or embarrassed, there is a good chance they are being abused. Emotional torture, such as being ridiculed, ignored, threatened, or bullied by fellow residents or caregivers, is bound to result in apparent behavior change or disorientation, so don’t shrug it off without a probe. Reduced mobility Lack of mobility is one of the main reasons people take their loved ones to nursing homes. For some, the condition is developed there, and it can all be part of a natural process. However, you cannot always attribute reduced mobility to aging. Sometimes it is down to the lack of proper individualized care for the senior. If an older adult is left in their bed for too long, they can lose what little they had left of mobility. Conclusion Frequent visits to your loved one’s nursing home can help ensure they are receiving appropriate treatment. Even the tiniest signs of abuse should elicit curiosity if you want to keep your senior happy and content in their twilight years.