There are certain warning signs that can indicate nursing home abuse and neglect has and/or still is occurring. Some residents are hesitant to disclose instances of nursing home abuse out of fear that the abuse will get worse, thrown out, or because they do not want to burden their families. Some residents may not even be able to communicate that nursing home abuse is occurring due to physical or mental limitations. If there are any signs or indicators that nursing home abuse is present, immediate action should be taken.
Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures
- Bedsores
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; vaginal or anal bleeding; torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or delays in allowing visitors to see resident
- Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
- Resident being kept in an over-medicated state
- Loss of resident's possessions
- Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking practices
- Abrupt changes in will or other financial documents
- Dehydration & Malnutrition
- Falls
