Nursing Home Abuse - Possible Signs Your Loved One is a Victim

The decision to place a family member into a nursing home is filled with all types of emotions. It is an extremely difficult decision to make.

Fortunately, most nursing homes are safe, clean, and offer a caring environment. Unfortunately, a small number of nursing homes exist which neglect their residents or treat them in an abusive manner. Families can only hope the home they choose will treat their loved one with dignity and respect. The last thing that anyone wants to see is their family member suffering from some type of abuse or neglect.

It is important to be aware of some signs that might be present if you believe your loved one is not being treated appropriately or that your loved one is suffering from physical or mental abuse.

Signs of mental abuse include a change in behavior in your loved one. Several months ago they were happy and seemingly enjoyed life. Now, you find they act in ways that are very different or unlike their previous, normal behavior.

You might find your loved one is upset most every time you visit. This might be expressed through agitation or a change in personality. If you try to discuss the matter with your loved one, this may cause them to become even more agitated upset.

Another sign is withdrawal. Your loved one previously enjoyed playing a game of cards with other residents. Or, they enjoyed going to different activities the nursing home offered such as exercise classes, singing classes, etc. Sometimes their withdrawal becomes so prevalent they often miss meals or ask to eat their meals alone in their room.

Any of these signs can be an indication something is not right. It is up to you to search and try to find what is wrong with your family member and determine if they are reacting to some sort of mental abuse.

Physical abuse may be easier to detect. Often you will see blatant signs of physical abuse. This can result from your loved one being kicked, shoved, beaten, struck, shaken, or even burned.

A less visible sign of physical abuse is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can happen in the form of rape, inappropriate touching, the taking of sexually explicit photos, or many other ways. Since many residents living in a nursing home are very frail and weak this makes them a target for sexual abuse if there is a staff member who chooses to behave in such an inappropriate manner. Residents who have a difficult time talking are even more open to such abuse because it is difficult for them to tell anyone.

Neglect is another form of nursing home abuse. Sign of neglect can include bed injuries, falling and fractures, bed sores, and dehydration. If you notice any of these signs, it is imperative you try to discuss the matter with your loved one no matter how reluctant they may be. You should also discuss your concerns with representatives from the nursing home and your own lawyer so an investigation can take place.

It is important for residents, family members, and friends to realize all nursing homes have specific rules, laws, and regulations they must meet or they will be fined and potentially shut down. Do not let your loved ones suffer silently as a possible victim of nursing home abuse.