Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence

We usually think of convalescent homes as places for our loved ones to live and receive the care they need when they progress in age and are no longer able to care for themselves. Some assisted care facilities have been in the news lately for abusing their patients. Unfortunately, this problem is quite widespread. Your loved ones may be getting abused in their nursing home, and you may not know about it.

When you think your loved one may be suffering abuse, there are usually some signs that may confirm or deny your fears. Some of the signs you may want to look out for are:

• Emotional changes - your loved one may seem distant or unusually tense if he or she is being abused


• Bumps and bruises - your loved one may have physical signs of abuse


• Unexplained injuries - your loved one may have to visit the doctor for unexplained reasons, which may point to abuse


• Physical changes - unexplained gains and losses in weight, broken bones, or illnesses may all indicate abuse

When your loved one is abused in his or her home, his or her life may be in danger. Most residents are already in a fragile state, so neglect and abuse may lead to serious, debilitating injuries or premature death.

There are many causes of abuse. Some nursing home attendants grow frustrated with the amount of attention their residents require and may take out their frustration on their residents. Additionally, some nursing home attendants may be overrun with patients, causing them to neglect some of their residents while they tend to others.

In any case, nursing home abuse is never acceptable, especially since most are paid services. Your loved one's final years should be as comfortable as possible, but abusive attendants may cause your loved one to live in constant fear in the final days.

Many residents do not speak up when they are being abused. This may be for several reasons. Some may be physically unable to do so, allowing the abuse to continue. Others may keep abuse to themselves out of fear of persecution. Some feel they may be a burden to their loved ones if they complain about abuse.

It may be up to you to determine whether your loved one is suffering abuse. Should you discover abuse taking place, you may be able to hold the nursing home accountable for your loved one's injuries.