Do you know the signs of nursing home abuse? Although it’s uncomfortable to think about, nursing home abuse is a common problem.
The elderly population is vulnerable to abuse and nursing homes are severely understaffed. This results in a range of abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, and financial. Much of the abuse that happens in nursing homes is also due to neglect.
If your loved one resides in a nursing home, you need to know the signs of abuse. By observing your loved ones and their guardians visibly and carefully, you can prevent abuse or detect abusive behavior now.
If you are not aware of the signs of nursing home abuse, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Sudden Changes in Mood and Behavior
A common sign of nursing home abuse is changes in mood and behavior. You might notice fear, anxiety, stress, depression, anger, agitation, and more. If your loved one is experiencing sudden changes with their mood or behavior, consider hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer.
2. Poor Hygiene
One of the most common signs of elderly abuse is poor hygiene. This occurs when the staff is neglecting the basic needs of your loved one. You might also notice their living space is not maintained.
3. Weight Loss
If your loved one is living in a nursing home and is experiencing dramatic weight loss, there might be a problem. This happens when the staff is not feeding the residents properly.
4. Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration is another common nursing home abuse sign. When your loved one is not properly hydrated, they can have sunken eyes, dry mouth, dark urine, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and more. Dehydration can be deadly, so if you notice these signs, take action immediately.
5. Injuries or Bruising
An obvious sign of nursing home abuse is unexplained injuries and/or bruising. A nursing home offers 24-hour care, which means your loved one should be monitored at all times. For this reason, injuries and bruising are signs of a problem.
6. Missing Finances or Property
Have you noticed your loved one is missing money or property? Are they ordering items online or transferring money to strange accounts? These are signs your loved one might be experiencing financial abuse.
7. High Staff Turnover
One of the warning signs of elderly abuse is a high staff turnover. Although some turnover is normal, high turnover can indicate a problem with training and quality of care.
These Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There are several signs that your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse.
You might notice sudden changes in mood or behavior. Your loved one might have weight loss, show signs of dehydration, have unexplained injuries or bruising, or there are missing finances or property. A common sign of a problem is a high staff turnover at the nursing home.
If you see any of these signs, consider moving your loved one right away.
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