Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect-Abuse

Did you know that about 30% of nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for abuse, yet they continue to operate? The real numbers on abuse are unknown, because most goes unreported. Nursing home neglect is a form of abuse, which often goes unnoticed, but can turn deadly. We entrust our loved ones to nursing homes believing they will be safe and well cared for. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse can save the life of someone you love.

What is abuse?
Nursing home abuse includes:

Neglect
Physical abuse
Mental/emotional abuse
Sexual abuse

The signs can be difficult to spot because they are often hard to distinguish from the normal effects of aging, but careful vigilance is necessary to protect those we love.

Signs of Neglect
Weight loss, diminished appetite, becoming less active, and even falls and easy bruising are normal parts of aging, but neglect can accelerate all of these problems and lead to an early death. Signs of neglect include:

Malnutrition
Dehydration
Weight loss
Clothes becoming too large
Dirty bedding
Dirty clothes
Poor hygiene
Bed sores
Infections
Sunburn
Unexplained bruises and/or injuries

Signs of physical abuse

Unfortunately, physical abuse of nursing home residents is not uncommon. Victims are often afraid to complain about abuse, since they have been threatened with even worse reprisals, and some are incapable of voicing their concerns. Warning signs include:
Open wounds
Bruises
Bruises or abrasions caused by restraints
Unreasonable sedation
Unexplained injuries
Withdrawal
Confusion and dementia
Sudden rude behavior toward family members and friends
Unusual behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking

Signs of mental or emotional abuse
With no visible physical injuries, mental/emotional abuse can be more difficult to spot, but it is no less dangerous, and can make life a living hell for nursing home residents. Victims are often told and convinced that if they report this kind of abuse they will be putting themselves or their loved ones in danger. Sings include:

Erratic behavior
Irrational fear
Agitation
Depression
Withdrawal
Confusion and dementia
Loss of appetite
Refusal to socialize or participate in activities
Unexplained enforced isolation
Refusal to respond or communicate
Sudden rude behavior toward family members and friends
Unusual behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking
Sudden, unexplained decline in health

Signs of sexual abuse
Though most of us find it hard to imagine, sexual abuse is a very real problem in nursing homes. The abuse is perpetrated either by the workers at the nursing home or other tenants. Victims are often unable or too ashamed to report sexual abuse. Signs to look out for include:

Unexplained genital infections
Unexplained genital or anal irritation or injury
Unexplained difficulty walking or sitting
Bruises and/or thumbprints around the breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, or genital area
Rope burns on wrists or ankles
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Stained or bloody sheets
Fear, anxiety, or combativeness when a specific staff member attempts to help with bathing, dressing, or toileting

If you believe that a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is best to act fast. Move them to a new facility right away and contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney today.

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