Research shows that over 10% of people over the age of 65 suffer some form of abuse, be it physical, mental, sexual, financial abuse or neglect. However, the World Health Organization states that abuse rates are higher in institutions like nursing homes.
If you have a family member in a nursing home, you might often worry if your loved one is receiving proper care. You may even find yourself looking for any evidence of poor treatment. Unfortunately, recognizing the signs of abuse is not always easy.
Here are less obvious indicators that you need to look out for.
The not-so-obvious signs of elderly abuse
Injuries like broken bones, bedsores and wounds are relatively easy to spot. Other signs of abuse can be more subtle. These include but are not limited to:
- Weight loss: Significant weight loss without a clear medical reason could be an indicator of neglect, such as poor nutrition or dehydration.
- Frequent illnesses: If your loved one is suffering repeated illnesses or infections, this could mean they are not receiving proper medical care.
- Behavioral changes: Sudden changes in behavior, such as emotional withdrawal, anxiety or depression may indicate emotional or physical abuse or neglect.
- Sleep issues: Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping more than normal or constantly waking up in the middle of the night could be a sign of stress or fear caused by abuse.
- Sudden changes in medical plan: If you notice unexplained changes in your loved one’s medication or health plan, it might be indicative of medical mismanagement.
These are just some of the warning signs that a nursing home patient is experiencing abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers. If you notice anything suspicious, it is important to take action immediately. Report your concerns to the proper authorities so they can investigate.
The law protects the rights of all nursing home residents
Older adults are often less likely to advocate for themselves due to disability, cognitive impairment or fear of retaliation. This is why the family must protect their loved ones who can’t protect themselves, especially in isolated institutions like nursing homes.
If your elderly loved one suffers abuse in a nursing facility, legal guidance can help you protect their health and safety while holding the abusers accountable.
