The figures on elder abuse are staggering. According to WHO data, 17% of people aged 60 and over suffer from it. Unfortunately, abuse in nursing homes does occur, and such cases are often hushed up. To ensure safety and comfort, it is worth taking several steps, which we will discuss below.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
If an elderly person’s behavior and mood have changed, it may indicate they are being mistreated. Pay attention to their relationship with the caregiver. Most often, a poor connection between them is immediately noticeable.
Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Violence is most often associated with physical abuse. There are different types of abuse, each of which negatively affects the well-being of any person. All of them are unacceptable and make it unsafe for a senior to be in home care or in a specialized facility.
Physical abuse
Signs of physical abuse are the most obvious. They may include:
- Bone fractures. Experienced doctors will be able to help distinguish injuries from accidental falls from intentional blows.
- Bruises, abrasions, cuts, burns, and scratches. Pay attention to the condition of the wrists and ankles, as these areas can be used to forcibly restrain or capture a person.
- Broken personal items. These can be anything from glasses to dentures.
If a person has been deliberately harmed, they will flinch and react sharply to other people’s movements. They will be tense, appear nervous, and even be afraid of loud noises.
Emotional or psychological abuse
Emotional abuse can cause serious trauma to a person at any age. It is more difficult to detect, so pay attention to the following factors:
- Unusual behavior and withdrawal. This may resemble symptoms of dementia – mumbling, rocking, etc.
- Fear of loneliness. An elderly person does not want to be left alone and asks to stay with them as long as possible.
- Refusal to take medication.
People who are harmed may experience a decline in self-esteem and avoid socializing.
Financial exploitation
There are also cases of financial abuse by unscrupulous nurses. If expenses without a clear purpose have increased, it is worth conducting an audit. Warning signs include donations to unknown charitable foundations, additional monthly paid subscriptions, and a lack of documentation on patient expenses.
Neglect and abandonment
Neglect and abandonment can manifest themselves in small things that you don’t notice at first. For example, an elderly person may not be dressed appropriately for the weather, which can negatively affect their health. Inadequate care, poor living conditions, dehydration, and sudden weight loss are the consequences of improper care services.
Common Physical Warning Signs
Nursing home abuse symptoms can be identified by looking for physical harm to the body. Bruises do not heal quickly, but keep in mind that they can be hidden. Watch for unexplained bruises or scratches appearing regularly.
Unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns
The presence of unexplained fractures and sprains is a reason to think and take action. Bruises and scars intentionally left on the body are different. They usually have limited swelling and pain when pressure is applied.
Poor hygiene, weight loss, or dehydration
Sudden weight loss can be linked to emotional instability, stress, and eating disorders. If an elderly person looks bad and smells bad, it means that the nurses are not doing their job properly. In such matters, they may express passive-aggression, which only intensifies over time.
Emotional and Behavioral Indicators
Emotional abuse changes a person in the long term. It is extremely important to identify it in order to protect your loved one. To do this, it is worth paying attention to whether their behavior is worsening.
Sudden fear, anxiety, or mood swings
A person who is subjected to abuse may become isolated. They will avoid people because they will be afraid of being hurt again. Unexpected tears, intense emotional displays, and even aggression may indicate that it is time to change the caregiver.
Changes in communication or confusion around caregivers
Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect – lack of understanding between caregivers and residents. If an elderly person does not want to stay with a particular nurse or staff member, it may indicate they are being mistreated. Fear of being left alone is an alarming sign that warrants attention.
Signs of Neglect in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse in nursing homes can be either intentional or unintentional. In both cases, it can harm the health and mental well-being of the victim and, unfortunately, even lead to death. The reasons for poor attitudes may include a lack of knowledge, professional burnout, and staff members’ personal qualities.
Dirty or unsafe living conditions
Dirtiness negatively impacts well-being. To check whether everything is in order in this regard, focus on the key aspects.
| Category | Signs |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Dirty clothes/room, unpleasant smell. |
| Safety | Broken furniture, clutter, slippery floors, lack of handrails. |
| Basic conditions | No heating, no running water, faulty electrical wiring. |
Pressure sores and infections
If the patient is not turned over enough, bedsores may develop. Staff negligence and poor hygiene lead to infections. These can result in serious complications and costly treatment.
Malnutrition or medication mismanagement
Malnutrition or improper medication management manifests itself in sudden weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. This can be caused by both nutritional deficiencies and dosage errors or missed doses. Caregivers are responsible for ensuring that patients follow a proper meal schedule and that food is fresh.
Sudden changes to wills, insurance, or power of attorney
A sign of exploitation of the elderly is a sudden change in documents. This applies in particular to wills and powers of attorney. Regularly review reporting on all items to avoid missing such moments.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse
Victims of abuse, whether in home care or in special institutions, are entitled to compensation. If you notice that your relative is being abused and you have evidence, contact a lawyer. They will help you sort out the situation and bring those responsible to justice. Also, it is worth changing the caregiver or institution immediately.
Protecting the Dignity and Safety of Seniors
Mistreatment should not go unpunished. Caregivers should preserve the dignity of those in their care, which includes:
- respect for their choices;
- habits and circumstances;
- personal boundaries.
To protect your relatives from such situations, carefully select caregivers or nursing homes. Watch for any signs of nursing home abuse. Look at their reputation, experience, skills, and read the terms of the contracts.
