Imagine that you are visiting a loved one in a nursing home, and you notice something is not quite right. Perhaps it’s a strange bruise on their arm that wasn’t there last time. Maybe it’s a sudden change in mood that seems completely unexplainable. While it may result from a loved one bumping into a chair or simply having a bad day, it could be a sign of something more serious. Elder abuse, especially in a nursing home setting, can take many forms. It can also be challenging to spot.
Many things can lead to elder abuse or neglect in institutions such as nursing homes or other long-term care facilities—sometimes, it’s down to poor staffing, untrained personnel, or just bad management. In some cases, it can be due to outright nefarious misconduct. In any case, any suspicion of unethical or poor behavior should be immediately addressed. The first step is knowing how to spot the signs.
Elder Abuse Fact Sheet
In the last decade, cases of domestic and other types of abuse have been the subject of much national attention. Elder abuse, unfortunately, is a widely underreported subsection of abuse and neglect. It is more common than many people think, with between 10%-16% of older adults experiencing some form of abuse every year.
Both private and institutional abuse of aging adults could be a result of caregiver overwhelm or lack of education on how to manage an aging relative who may have cognitive decline or other mental or physical medical disorders. No matter the reason, the consequences on the quality of life of an elderly individual can be deeply destructive.
Indications of Elder Abuse
You don’t need a spiritual advisor to recognize and report potential elder abuse. A little knowledge can go a long way and potentially make a significant difference in the life of a vulnerable individual—or even in the lives of many if the acknowledgment and punishment of the abuse could stop further instances.
Below are some warning signs of unethical, inappropriate, or unlawful behavior towards an older adult in a nursing home.
Physical Abuse:
- Bruises, cuts, or broken bones that aren’t explained
- Frequent injuries
- A sudden increase in hospital visits
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Attempts to hide or cover specific areas of the body (to hide evidence of bodily harm)
Emotional Abuse:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or other residents
- New or worsening anxiety
- Overly fearful behavior or communication
- Changes of behavior that correlate with the presence of a particular staff member.
Financial Abuse:
- Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
- Sudden changes in will or power of attorney
- Missing valuables
- Other excessive changes in spending habits or unusual purchases
Neglect
- Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers)
- Dehydration
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained weight loss or other signs of malnutrition
Sexual Abuse
- Unexplained genital infections
- Bruising in private or intimate places
- Behavioral changes like aggression or depression
One of the most critical factors in recognizing potential elder abuse is frequent visits to your aging loved ones who are living in a nursing home. Seeing your loved one regularly can tip you off any sudden changes in mood or behavior. It also makes it more likely that you are more privy to evidence or bodily harm, such as bruises or scratches, which can fade quickly.
How to Report and Stop Abusive Practices
As explained by the nursing home abuse neglect lawyer Lance D. Lourie, “When family members suspect nursing home abuse, it’s essential to act swiftly.” Start by documenting everything. Take notes about unusual injuries, mood or behavior changes, and staff interactions. Save documents or photos that could serve as evidence.
From there, report your concerns to the nursing home administrative team. Most facilities have protocols to address complaints—they should take your concerns very seriously. If the nursing home does not investigate or work to resolve the issue in a satisfactory or timely manner, contact the state’s long-term care ombudsman, who advocates for residents and will ensure the matter is looked into.
If the situation is severe enough, consider taking legal action. Many law firms specialize in elder abuse and neglect cases and can help you file a lawsuit, navigate the court system, and represent the best interests of your loved one.
Conclusion
Protecting the elderly is not just a moral obligation, but a societal responsibility. Aging adults are some of the most vulnerable members of society. While most nursing homes are there to help care for and support those who can no longer fully support themselves, there are some instances where, unfortunately, abuse occurs. By staying informed and watchful, family members can protect their loved ones and other older adults from potential abuse.
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