Signs of Nursing Home Abuse: How to Protect Your Loved Ones

It is an unfortunate statistic that the majority of elder abuse cases go unreported. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of nursing home abuse so you can help protect your loved ones before and after it occurs.

If you suspect elder abuse in a nursing home, you may be the only person who can serve as voice the the victim. This is why it is important to know what the signs of abuse are for the elderly because they are not always “obvious.” Most importantly, it is easy to miss the red flags when it comes with the patients who live in nursing home facilities 24/7.

A recent case of a California nursing home worker who escaped to Canada after abusing an elderly woman has brought some media attention to this heartbreaking fact, but more needs to be done. It starts with understanding the signs of abuse and different type of elderly abuse that may occur. There are many types of abuse in addition to physical, as well as subcategories within physical.

Physical and sexual abuse don’t always leave visible signs. Any bruises, lacerations and other physical signs of abuse should be followed up. Additionally, there is also emotional, mental and verbal abuse. If you don’t actually witness this types of elder abuse, the potential victim may exhibit signs of abuse. This can involve severe changes in personality, lashing out at the abuser, or mood swings when they previously didn’t have them. If you notice that an elder is no longer participating in favorite activities or acts strangely around a certain caretaker, that might be a sign of abuse.

Control, manipulation and shaming can all be a part of this type of abuse, and victims might show a variety of symptoms. If you’re a family member who visits a loved one in a nursing home, don’t dismiss changes in personality or attitude easily. It’s always wise to dig a little deeper and see if there’s something amiss. Changes can be slight or extreme, and there’s no one size that fits all symptom.

Another form of elder abuse is financial, although that’s a bit more common with in-home care or when a family member or friend is caring for an elder. Financial elder abuse occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly person’s financial situation or finances. Signs of financial abuse can be somewhat clear (such as if the person no longer has access to money), or can be exhibited in subtle ways.

If you notice a big change in spending habits or anything out of the ordinary, ensure that their finances are being taken care of correctly. Financial abuse isn’t always extreme. Even the theft of small amounts of money are a form of abuse.

Finally, neglect is a big factor in abuse of the elderly, particularly in nursing homes. Be on the lookout for a lack of hygiene, bedsores, and personality changes. These may all be symptoms that an elder isn’t getting the care they deserve.

Get Help for Nursing Home Abuse

Of course, confronting someone, especially a facility, about potential abuse can be overwhelming and intimidating. Calling an elder abuse hotline in your state can help you get the resources and support you need to make the next step. It’s common to not want to cause a scene or falsely accuse someone, but keep in mind that you might make the difference between comfortable, joyful golden years for someone and continuous abuse.

The National Center on Elder Abuse can connect you with hotlines in your state if you call their toll-free number at 800-677-1116. If you even think that abuse might be happening, the quicker you act, the quicker you might save someone’s life or help them get the help they need.

You may also be able to take legal action against the nursing home or elder care providers to help your loved one receive compensation for their pain and suffering.

How to Find a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect someone you know is being abused in a nursing home, you both may need legal services. Finding a nursing home abuse lawyer requires finding an attorney that specializes in these types of cases. You might even qualify to join an elder abuse MDL, where you can enjoy a faster resolution while still getting an individual trial by jury.

Make sure the attorney is reputable, skilled in the area of nursing abuse, and cares about your unique situation. Abuse is a devastating situation to be in, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. You and your loved one deserve compassionate, skilled attorneys and results.

Do You Have an Elder Abuse Case?

Do you think you and/or someone you know has experienced elder abuse? You might qualify for an elder abuse legal claim and may deserve compensation. Read more at the Elder Abuse Identification & Nursing Home Neglect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Once your information is received, a lawyer will contact you if you qualify for a complimentary elder abuse claim review.