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