24 signs of nursing home abuse and neglect

I saw a commercial today for a law firm advising people to call if they or a family member suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. It made me think back to when a friend of mine died a year and a half ago. She had breast cancer in most of her bones, but had a decent appetite up until nearly the end. She was not neglected. But I am thinking back to the thin, elderly lady in the adjoining bed. On the visits I made, I noticed on more than one occasion that the staff would set down a full plate of steak and vegetables next to the lady. She ignored it. The staff eventually removed the untouched plate. I felt a sense of outrage that they were not trying harder to nourish her. Or maybe that was a form of hospice "care", such as not re-hydrating a terminally ill patient with an IV once they are no longer able to imbibe water by mouth. I still think somebody should have sat down with the elderly lady and spoon-fed her something she could stomach. Call me old-fashioned.


Signs of abuse and neglect:

The first questions to ask when identifying nursing home abuse:

• Does your loved one have injuries or show physical signs of neglect?
• Are your loved one’s complaints insistent and frequent?
• Are objections directed at a particular nursing home staff member?
• Has your loved one displayed unusual behavior changes?

General Signs of Abuse

• Staff refuses to allow visitors to see resident, or delays in allowing visitors to see resident
• Staff does not allow visitors to be alone with resident
• Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and resident

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained new or frequent injuries such as bruises, burns, cuts or broken bones
• Bloody or stained clothing

Neglect

• Complaints about painful blisters or abrasions
• Bedsores
• Poor hygiene
• Weakness or inexplicable weight loss
• Soiled bedding
• Constant thirst or extremely dry skin
• Hazardous or unsafe living conditions
• Over-medication

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden personality changes
• Uncharacteristic anger, lack of interest, or anxiety
• Fear of being alone
• Overwhelming sadness and frequent crying
• Change in alertness
• Outright complaint
• Rude or humiliating comments by staff

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