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