Placing a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living isn’t an easy decision. It can often take months or years of consideration, talks, even pleas with your loved one to understand that this is the best option for them. Especially if their health or mental wellbeing has taken a turn for the worst. It’s bad enough that we feel a sense of guilt when we place our loved ones into a nursing home, even though we’re doing it for all the right reasons. It can take months before we find the right home, carefully analyzing the kind of support they’ll need, how clean and welcoming the home is, what the employees are like and ultimately, if our loved one will enjoy living there. When a loved one moves into a nursing home, setbacks are anticipated, especially during the transition period. But how do you know if these stumbling blocks are just that? What if they’re signs of nursing home abuse?
Every year thousands of elders are left at the mercy of abusive care home workers and neglectful staff, living in horrendous conditions and suffering emotional turmoil during what should be the most relaxing years of their life. You can find a nursing home abuse lawyer by clicking this link.
As a loved one, it’s your responsibility to keep your eyes open and recognize when something isn’t right. But nursing home abuse isn’t always obvious. You may not catch staff yelling or striking your loved one, but that doesn’t mean something disturbing isn’t happening. But, just what are the signs of nursing home abuse? Read on to discover subtle signs of nursing home abuse you shouldn’t ignore.
Unexplained behavior changes
Is your loved one no longer happy? Do they shy away from you when once they were bubbly and sociable? If a loved one is experiencing shame, abuse or neglect it could be reflected in sudden changes in behavior. Maybe they seem scared or they’re suddenly reclusive and don’t want visitors. If this kind of behavior isn’t normal, then that’s a red flag!
Their personal care and hygiene aren’t great
Elders often need help with personal care. And regardless of their physical health and movement capabilities, your loved one should still portray a high level of hygiene and care. Are their nails clipped and tidy, is their hair washed and groomed? Are their clothes clean? What about their teeth? Bedsores and unchanged clothes and adult sanitary items are huge warnings that something isn’t right.
They’re suddenly “forgetful”
Forgotten how much money was in their purse? Or they’ve misplaced jewelry? If their mind and brain function were well before, there’s no reason why they should start forgetting things now. Strange transactions they can’t remember making and missing personal belongings could be the sign that someone is taking advantage of your loved one. Many family members install security cameras in their loved one’s lodgings to get a clear understanding of what is going on. There are more than one form of nursing home abuse.
And finally, disrespectful caregivers
How do the caregivers speak to the elders? Do they use their first names? Do residents look pleased to see them? Are they engaged and patient with residents? If not, then it could be a sign of staff problems. Don’t be afraid to raise your findings with senior management.
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