If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, it’s important to be aware of the signs of nursing home neglect. Neglect can take many different forms, from intentional abuse to simply not providing enough care. All forms of neglect can be extremely harmful to your loved one and can even lead to death. The good news is that many warning signs can help you detect nursing home neglect before it becomes too late. We will discuss some of the most common warning signs, and tips on how to report neglect if you suspect that it is happening in your loved one’s nursing home.
1. Unusual Weight Loss or Gain
One of the most common signs of nursing home neglect is sudden and unexplained weight loss or gain. This can be a sign that your loved one is not getting enough to eat, or that they are not receiving the proper nutrition. If you notice that your loved one has lost a significant amount of weight, make sure to bring it up with their doctor and the nursing home staff. People often ask themselves what is nursing home abuse? And, they often underestimate these small signs. Apart from the obvious abuse, issues with food in the nursing home are a sign that should never get overlooked.
2. Mood Swings and Changes in Behaviour
If you notice that your loved one seems more withdrawn or depressed than usual, this could be a sign of neglect. They may also become more anxious or agitated, which can be a sign that they are not receiving the proper care. If you notice any sudden changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff. Or, if you notice sudden changes in your loved one’s will or disposition, this could be a sign of neglect. For example, if you notice that your loved one has signed over their assets to the nursing home, this could be a sign that they are being coerced into doing so. If you notice any changes in your loved one’s will or disposition, make sure to speak to their lawyer and the nursing home staff.
Fearful of Staff Members
If you notice that your loved one seems fearful of certain staff members, this could be a sign of abuse. If you notice that your loved one is fearful of any staff members, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff immediately.
Lack of Engagement in Activities
If you notice that your loved one is no longer participating in activities that they used to enjoy, this could be a sign of neglect. This can be a sign that the nursing home staff is not providing proper assistance or encouragement for your loved one to participate in activities. If you notice that your loved one is no longer participating in activities, make sure to speak to the nursing home staff and with a reputable attorney.
3. Lack of Personal Hygiene
If you notice that your loved one’s hygiene has declined, this could be a sign of neglect. This can be a sign that the nursing home staff is not providing proper assistance with bathing or grooming. If you notice that your loved one’s hygiene has declined, make sure to speak to the nursing home staff and their doctor. Additionally, if you notice that your loved one’s clothing or bedding is frequently soiled, this could be a sign that they are not being properly cared for. This can be a sign of both physical and mental neglect. If you notice that your loved one is not being properly cared for, make sure to speak to the nursing home staff and their doctor.
4. Frequent Falls
If you notice that your loved one is falling more often than usual, this could be a sign that they are not receiving the proper care. This can be a sign of neglect if the nursing home staff is not helping your loved one to avoid falls, or if they are not providing proper assistance when your loved one does fall. If you notice that your loved one is falling more often, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff.
5. Bruises or Cuts
If you notice bruises or cuts on your loved one’s body, this could be a sign of physical abuse. If you notice any bruises or cuts, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff immediately. For example, if you notice bruises in the shape of fingers, this could be a sign that your loved one is being grabbed forcefully. If you notice any bruises or cuts on your loved one’s body, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff immediately. So, if you notice injuries on your loved one’s body that cannot be explained, this could be a sign of abuse. If you notice any unexplained injuries, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff immediately.
6. Bed Sores
If you notice that your loved one has developed bed sores, this could be a sign of neglect. Bed sores are often caused by not being properly turned or positioned, which can be a sign that the nursing home staff is not providing proper care. If you notice that your loved one has developed bed sores, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff. Additionally, if you notice that bed sores are not being properly treated, this could be a sign of neglect. If you notice that your loved one’s bed sores are not being properly treated, make sure to speak to their doctor and the nursing home staff.
If you notice any of these warning signs, make sure to speak to the nursing home staff and their doctor immediately. Remember, it is important to be an advocate for your loved ones, and to make sure that they are receiving the proper care. Additionally, consider consulting with an attorney specializing in these cases to see how you can gather evidence and get justice.
