How To Spot Nursing Home Abuse

With a growing number of elderlies joining the ranks of nursing home care, it is imperative that you not only properly vet the facility but also follow-up on any potential signs of abuse after admittance.  While some of these signs might seem obvious, there are also those that take further investigation and resources to prove.  Before contacting a lawyer such as Duffy & Duffy, do your due diligence and gather as much evidence as you can.  Documenting these signs of abuse are imperative to any future case you may have.

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained and/or frequent bruising, cuts or contusions
• Broken bones
• Specific signs of restraint, such as marks around the wrist or ankles
• Inability or resistance to private conversations with your loved one
• Broken personal items within the room

Sexual Abuse

• Bleeding or bruising around the genitals that are not associated with any known medical condition
• Bloody, torn or stained undergarments
• Unexplained Infections or sexually transmitted diseases
• Desire by your loved one for privacy during bathroom and shower duties

Emotional Abuse

• Uncommon and uncontrollable crying, emotional disconnect or wild reactions to conversations
• Isolation from friends inside the community
• Habitual blaming or verbal insults witnessed by the caregiver

Financial or Medical Exploitation

• Missing cash or credit cards from your loved one
• A change or addition of names to credit cards or other financial/legal accounts including wills, insurance policies or bank accounts
• Unexplained financial withdrawals
• General change in financial situation that is unexplainable or abnormal
• Frequent or unexplained changes in medical prescriptions without approval
• Duplicate billing or evidence of inflated pricing
• Staff performing duties outside their expertise or approved area

In addition to these signs, it’s important to be aware of simpler signs such as dirty living conditions, staffing issues or faulty utilities.  It’s always important to have a list of questions that are important to you and your loved one when choosing a nursing home facility.  Depending on the type of care needed, other venues might have additional support to provide them with the best level of care available for those needs. Researching facilities based on their care needs is the best way to ensure a happy home for your loved one and peace of mind for yourself.