Do you suspect that a loved one is being abused in their nursing home? Knowing the signs of abuse can give you clarity about whether it’s occurring and allow you to take the necessary steps to ensure your family member's safety.
In this blog post, we'll discuss what constitutes nursing home abuse and how to recognize if someone is being mistreated, so that you can take action right away.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
If you are concerned that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse, it is important to know what qualifies as nursing home abuse and the potential effects it can have on a person's wellbeing. Nursing home abuse refers to conduct involving intentional neglect or willfully causing harm through physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial means.
Nursing home abuse can cause physical injury and distress, leave behind significant mental scars, and damage financial stability. While your loved one will likely experience a variety of negative outcomes from abuse in a nursing home setting, it’s essential to remember that support is available and help should be sought as soon as possible.
Identifying Signs of Physical Abuse in the Elderly
Nursing home abuse is an unfortunately all too common issue for elderly members of society, and one that should be spotted as quickly as possible. While all types of abuse of seniors can have devastating effects, physical abuse is particularly serious as it can produce long-term consequences, such as physical injuries, illness, and even hospitalization.
It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of physical abuse on an elderly family member while they are in a nursing home. Specific signs to watch out for include:
- Bruising patterns that suggest their injury was not accidental.
- Changes in behavior.
- Sudden withdrawal from social activities or other unusual signs of fear.
- The presence of broken eyeglasses or other items often associated with attempts to fend off an attacker.
Being aware of these issues can help quickly identify potential problems and keep your elderly family member safe from harm.
Recognizing Signs of Psychological Abuse in Nursing Home Residents
It's important to recognize the signs of psychological abuse, as they can differ from physical and emotional abuse. Common signs include:
- Social withdrawal
- Fear of interacting with people
- Lack of eye contact
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- Sudden changes in behavior
If you spot any of these signs in your family member while visiting a nursing home, it could be an indication that they are the victim of psychological abuse. Make sure to take notes on any evidence and speak to a medical professional who can determine if further action is necessary.
Warning Signs of Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
If a nursing home is siphoning money out of your loved one's bank account, it can be challenging to identify. Fortunately, there are several key warning signs that should alert you to the possibility of financial exploitation. Keep an eye out for:
- Large sums of money unexpectedly withdrawn from accounts.
- New and unfamiliar names on checks or purchases made with credit cards.
- Sudden changes in banking practices.
- A lack of spending even when resources exist.
Additionally, complaints about unpaid bills or missing items of value could indicate financial exploitation. If your loved one has been the victim of such exploitation, it is essential to seek help from appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Spotting Emotional Manipulation in Nursing Home Residents
It is not always easy to spot emotional manipulation in your loved one when they are in a nursing home environment, but it is important to look out for signs that may indicate something is wrong. Be mindful of any abrupt changes to their personality or behaviors. If you notice the staff around them with an intimidating attitude and seemingly controlling their actions, these could be signs of emotional manipulation.
Additionally, if you observe your family member becoming more isolated or withdrawn from conversations or activities with other individuals, this might also be indicative of emotional manipulation occurring in the nursing home. To ensure that your loved one receives appropriate treatment and care, watch for these tell-tale signs and contact appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Strategies for Confronting Nursing Home Abuse Suspicions
Confronting a loved one about suspected nursing home abuse can be a difficult and emotional process. To effectively raise the issue in a compassionate manner, it is important to remain calm and listen attentively to their response.
Respect the feelings of your family member and provide accurate information to educate them on the resources that are available for assistance if needed. If your family member remains hesitant, consider speaking with other relatives or friends you have who have dealt with similar situations and could provide further insight. Simply having someone to talk to can often help individuals feel supported during these trying times.
For more information about what to do if you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, call Belushin Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 918-9890 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in Brooklyn.