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Signs that Your Loved One May Have Been Abused or Neglected in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility

As older adults begin to face health challenges that can make it difficult or unsafe for them to live independently, many families turn to nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Sadly, however, abuse and neglect are common in these facilities, with Nursing Home Abuse Justice reporting that over 15,000 complaints were filed on behalf of residents in 2020 alone.

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If your loved one resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the thought of them being subjected to abuse or neglect can be devastating—but the first step to protecting their well-being is to understand the signs of mistreatment. Here are some key warning signs of the common types of abuse and neglect to which nursing home/ALF residents may be subjected:

Physical Abuse

According to a 2018 report from the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), 29% of nursing home abuse complaints involved physical abuse. Signs that your loved one may have been physically harmed include:

Unexplained bruising, broken bones, lacerations, or other injuries
Broken eyeglasses
Signs of physical restraint, such as rope marks on the wrist
Signs of sexual abuse, like unexplained STDs, or bruising or bleeding near the genitals
A staff member refusing to let you be alone with your loved one

Financial Abuse

Elderly residents of nursing homes and ALFs are not only vulnerable in a physical sense—they may also be susceptible to financial exploitation. Signs may include:

Unexplained bank account withdrawals or credit card charges
Changes to the person’s will, life insurance policy, power of attorney, or other important legal documents
Newly purchased goods, services, or subscriptions that seem unusual

Emotional Abuse

Even if your loved one has not been physically abused or financially exploited, they may be the victim of emotional abuse by staff or other caregivers or residents. This may be the case if they exhibit the following signs:

Mood or personality changes
Symptoms of anxiety or depression
Unusual behaviors that may be mistaken for dementia, such as mumbling, thumb sucking, or rocking
Changes in sleeping patterns
Instances of a caregiver belittling, controlling, or threatening your loved one

Neglect

For senior citizens, neglect can be just as harmful as active abuse. Your loved one could potentially be the victim of neglect if you notice signs such as the following:

Bedsores
Unexplained weight loss
Signs of under- or over-medication
Soiled clothing, bedding, or other unsanitary living conditions

If your loved one is in a nursing home or ALF and you’ve noticed these or any other signs of abuse or neglect, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Consulting an attorney experienced in nursing home abuse cases can help you understand your legal options and ensure that your family member receives the care they deserve.

At Leighton Panoff Law, we are committed to advocating on behalf of elderly and vulnerable adults and their families, and our team applies extensive knowledge of both state and federal law to ensure justice for the victims of elder abuse. Visit https://leightonlaw.com/nursing-home-injuries-attorney-leighton-law/ to learn more, or call us at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation

What are the most common signs of abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Common signs of abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility include unexplained bruises, broken bones, lacerations, sudden mood changes, anxiety, depression, or any behavior that seems unusual for your loved one. Physical restraints, refusal by staff to allow private visits, and symptoms resembling trauma—like rocking or mumbling—can all be red flags. Being aware of these signs is the first step toward protecting your loved one from harm.

How can I tell if my loved one is being physically abused in a care facility?

Physical abuse in care facilities often results in visible injuries such as bruising, fractures, or lacerations that lack a reasonable explanation. Additional signs include broken eyeglasses, rope marks on wrists indicating restraint, and staff who appear evasive or refuse to leave you alone with your family member. Leighton Panoff Law advises families to take these indicators seriously and consult legal counsel promptly if abuse is suspected.

What does financial abuse look like in a nursing home or assisted living setting?

Financial abuse of elderly residents can manifest through unexplained bank account activity, unauthorized credit card charges, or sudden changes in legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney. If your loved one begins acquiring unusual goods or subscriptions, or you notice irregularities in their finances, it may signal exploitation. A legal expert can help determine if a caregiver or another party is responsible.

Are emotional changes a sign of nursing home abuse?

Yes, emotional abuse can significantly alter a resident’s behavior. Signs include depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or unusual behaviors like thumb-sucking or rocking. These symptoms are often mistaken for dementia but may indicate mistreatment or emotional harm from caregivers or fellow residents. If your loved one exhibits such changes, especially after moving into a facility, it’s important to investigate further.

What are the signs of neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Neglect is a serious form of mistreatment that can include symptoms like bedsores, unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, and unsanitary living conditions such as soiled clothing or bedding. Over- or under-medication is another warning sign. Neglect can be just as dangerous as direct abuse, and families should consult an attorney if these conditions are observed.

What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being abused or neglected?

If you suspect abuse or neglect, start by documenting the signs and speaking with your loved one if possible. You should also report your concerns to facility management and relevant state authorities. Most importantly, consult an attorney with experience in nursing home abuse cases to evaluate the situation, protect your loved one’s rights, and pursue justice if necessary.

Why should I choose Leighton Panoff Law for a nursing home abuse or neglect case?

Leighton Panoff Law is deeply committed to representing victims of elder abuse and their families. With extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations, their legal team is well-equipped to identify and prosecute abuse or neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The firm’s compassionate and aggressive approach ensures that vulnerable adults receive the justice and protection they deserve.

Article by:

John Leighton

A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite