Nursing Home Abuse: Danger Signs

Abuse in adult care facilities is a growing trend. The system is plagued by chronic understaffing, due to profit motives of providers, causing situations ripe for abuse.

Nursing home abuse happens every day it can be physical and emotional.

Below is a list what families should look for when they suspect neglect or abuse of their loved ones.

• Open wounds, cuts, bruises, welts, and/or skin discoloration or deterioration
  
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Loss of weight
• Burns
• Sudden change in behavior
• Emotionally upset or agitated
• Extremely withdrawn or non-communicative
• Unusual behavior (sucking, biting, or rocking)
• Confusion or dementia
• Poor personal hygiene
• Withholding medication or over-medication
• Incorrect body position
• Lack of assistance with eating and drinking
• Unsanitary and unclean conditions
• Dirt, soiled bed, fecal or urine odor

What To Look For

The worst thing to do is to ignore your suspicions. Even the smallest change can be an indication of a much more serious problem. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

The following is a checklist for family members to use if they have a loved one residing in a nursing home and/or assisted living facility.

• Do you notice continued signs of dehydration or malnutrition?
• Have you noticed the resident is less active or less able to move about?
• Have you noticed emotional changes, mood swings, withdrawals, anxiety or other fears in the resident?
• Are residents dressed appropriately for the season and time of day?
• Are the residents living quarters clean?
• Are the resident's medical conditions being treated in a timely fashion?
• Does the resident seem to be suffering from persisting viruses and/or infections?
• Are all medications being administered in a timely and appropriate fashion?
• Have there been delays between incidents and notification of the doctor and the family and/or guardian?
• Has the resident been experiencing frequent falls, or broken bones?
• Does there seem to be adequate staffing and supervision?
• Are the caregivers speaking of the resident as a burden or treat the resident with indifference?
• Does the caregiver react defensively to routine questions about the resident's care?

All of the above occurs due to insufficient and poorly trained staff. Unfortunately, this is an all too common problem. Situations arise through corporate ownership being more concerned with profits than appropriate care.

Federal and state laws requires that nursing homes and assisted living facilities develop a sufficient plan of care for all residents.

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