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April 15th, 2025
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a very difficult decision. Beyond the emotional aspect, there are a lot of factors you need to consider when choosing the right place to ensure it provides a safe environment. While some nursing homes offer compassionate care, others fall short, leading to neglect or even abuse.
One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a nursing home is the well-being and safety of its residents. Unfortunately, elder abuse is more common than you might think, and too many families face it. Older adults may sometimes struggle to defend themselves or even communicate when they are being mistreated or abused. Hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues, and cognitive decline can make them easier targets for abuse, and their concerns may sometimes be dismissed as confusion or dementia.
Even if a facility appears professional at first glance, the quality of care can deteriorate over time, especially in nursing homes that have high staff turnover. It is very important to regularly visit your loved ones to make sure they are being treated with dignity and respect.
Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse is crucial. Here are five of the most common indicators that your loved one may be experiencing mistreatment:
Injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones can be early warning signs of abuse in a nursing home. While one injury might be an accident, if you notice that your loved one is frequently injured and struggles to provide a clear explanation of how these injuries occurred, it’s important to investigate them further.
Frequent and unexplained injuries are a red flag that something isn’t right, and it’s important to take a closer look to make sure the nursing home is truly a safe and caring place for them.
Sudden changes in behavior or extreme mood swings can also be signs of nursing home abuse. If your loved one becomes withdrawn, anxious, or unusually aggressive, it may indicate that something is wrong. They might suddenly refuse to talk to their family members, avoid certain caregivers, or seem noticeably more distressed during your visits.
While mood changes can sometimes be linked to aging or medical conditions, a drastic shift in personality should not be ignored. Paying close attention to the emotional state of your loved one and any patterns of distress is very important, as those could be signs of neglect or emotional abuse.
Poor hygiene and deteriorating living conditions—such as lack of heat, electricity, or running water, unpleasant odors, and dirty clothing or common areas—are clear signs of neglect. These conditions not only make daily life uncomfortable but can also lead to serious health issues, including infections and a decline in overall well-being.
No one should have to live in an unclean or unsafe environment, and it is important to take action to ensure your loved one is receiving the proper care if you notice any of those signs.
If you notice that your loved one avoids a certain staff member physically or during your conversations, it might be another sign of nursing home abuse. They may become anxious or even refuse to speak when that person is around, or they might change the subject when you ask about their care. This kind of behavior could indicate fear, discomfort, or even past mistreatment.
While it’s totally expected for residents to have preferences, a strong aversion to a particular caregiver should not be ignored. Make sure you pay attention to these cues and consider asking staff or management about their interactions. If your loved one seems afraid to speak openly, it may be necessary to investigate further to ensure they are in a safe and supportive environment.
If you start noticing that your loved one’s money is disappearing without a clear explanation or their personal belongings keep going missing, it’s worth looking into. Older adults in nursing homes should feel secure in their environment, knowing their valuables and finances are being handled properly. While occasional misplaced items can happen, especially at a certain age, repeated instances of missing jewelry, cash, or important documents should not be overlooked.
If you notice unusual bank withdrawals, changes in financial accounts, or missing personal items, start by having a conversation with your loved one and the facility’s staff.
Contact Bordas & Bordas if You Believe Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Abuse at a Nursing Home
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is the first step toward protecting your loved one and ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. Identifying potential abuse early can help you take action to prevent further harm, hold negligent caregivers accountable, and advocate for safer conditions in long-term care facilities.
Reach out to Bordas & Bordas to learn how we can help you and your family if you were impacted by nursing home mistreatment.
