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Nursing Home Abuse Warning Signs

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

It is unfortunate, but often the warning signs of nursing home abuse aren’t always obvious because the abuse is done in secret. There are literally dozens of warning signs of abuse and unless you are actively looking for them, these terrible actions may continue unchecked. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from abuse, you need to know what to look for to end the vicious cycle of abuse.

There are various types of abuse a nursing home resident might suffer, but regardless of what type of abuse it is, there are specific patterns and signs to look out for.

Signs of Neglect

While other types of abuse have very specific visible warning signs, signs of neglect may be a little more difficult to recognize.

Some of the warning signs of neglect can include:

  • Weight loss;
  • Chronic dehydration;
  • Bed sores;
  • Poor appearance;
  • Uncleanliness;
  • Physical injuries that go unreported;
  • Lack of compassion from staff;
  • Strange bruising or unexplained fractures.

If multiple signs exist, it is possible that the abuse is more widespread and other residents may be at-risk for abuse.

Signs of Financial Abuse

Financial abuse often involves a nursing home staff member coercing a resident into signing checks, authorizing the use of credit cards, or outright stealing and forging financial documents.

Signs of financial abuse include:

  • Unexplained expenditures;
  • Inability to explain certain expenditures;
  • Missing checkbook, credit cards, and documents;
  • Unforeseen expenses;
  • Name changes on important documents;
  • Secretive behavior.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is subtle and takes place slowly over time. Emotional abuse wears down a resident both mentally and physically and the resident themselves may not even be aware of the abuse being done to them.

Signs of emotional abuse in a nursing home include:

  • Behavioral changes-Those who are suffering emotional abuse often become quieter, withdrawn, suffer anxiety, and lose self-confidence.
  • Stopping medication-A resident that normally took their medications that suddenly refuses it, may be exhibiting signs of emotional abuse.
  • Fear of being alone-Residents who are being emotionally abused may suddenly fear being alone or fear being with a particular caretaker.
  • Repetitive behaviors-A common sign of emotional and physical abuse is repetitive behavior, such as rocking back and forth, mumbling to themselves, and possibly sucking their thumb.

Many of these could also be a consequence of old age, but if they appear suddenly or do not fit with the cognitive function of your loved one, it may be cause for concern.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is often the abuse most people think about when it comes to nursing home abuse. This is also the most obvious type of abuse as it is easy to see visibly.

Signs of physical abuse can include:

  • Bruises, welts, scrapes that are unexplained-These can occur from being grasped too hard, hit, restraints, or having an object used to strike them. Particular attention should be focused on the wrists, ankles, and arms.
  • Unexplained fractures-Common places for fractures will be the hips, wrists, and arms and can occur if they are dropped, harshly restrained, or battered
  • Broken eyeglasses-If a resident is struck across the face, their glasses may have broken, and they would have bruising or cuts around the eyes and nose.
  • Withdrawing socially-Those who are physically abused may withdraw themselves out of fear. If your loved one was social before and suddenly wants to do less and less, question the sudden change.
  • Easily startled-Someone who is physically abused may live on the edge of their seat and act jumpy or startle easily.

Many of these signs can also be due to old age and accidents that may have occurred. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut and investigate why these changes have occurred.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse may not be an obvious type of abuse, but it does occur in nursing homes.

Signs of sexual abuse include:

  • Bruising on the genitals and breasts;
  • Sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Vaginal or anal bleeding;
  • Torn and stained underwear;
  • Self-isolation, social withdrawal, and angry outbursts.

If you witness anything that seems wrong, trust your instincts and file a report with the nursing home and contact authorities. It is important to get your loved one to safety first and foremost and then you can begin documenting the evidence you have. You should then contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.

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