The Common Signs of Elder Abuse: A Basic Guide

Making the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is often a difficult decision to make. You most likely debated doing so and weighed all other options before making a final decision. In some situations, placing a loved one in a nursing home is the right choice based on several different factors.

Once they’re a resident, you put your trust in the staff to take good care of them. Although there are many great nursing homes, unfortunately, some aren’t as great. No matter where you’re loved one is, you should be aware of signs of elder abuse.

When you know the signs of nursing home abuse, you can put a stop to it and provide safety for your loved one. Continue reading the guide below to learn elder abuse signs and prevent your loved one from suffering at the hands of their caretaker.

Visual Physical Injuries

Some of the more obvious signs of nursing home abuse are visual physical injuries. If your loved one is being physically abused, then you’ll most likely find bruises, cuts, or burns on their body. Any sprains or broken bones should also be a red flag.

Although it’s common for the elderly to injure themselves, you don’t want to overlook anything. Be sure to ask them what happened and how they became injured. If you’re told your loved one is falling down on a consistent basis and receiving these injuries, don’t be so quick to accept it as an answer.

A resident who falls one time should be watched over closely to prevent another fall from happening. Multiple falls are another red flag.

Lack of Nutrition/Decrease in Health

Most nursing homes will offer a nutritional meal three times a day. They shouldn’t be hungry or losing an excessive amount of weight. You placed them in the care of the nursing home to ensure they receive all the care they need and receiving the right amount of nutrition is included in that.

Watch over their health and hunger closely. You should also be on the lookout for bedsores and missing personal items such as glasses, hearing aids, or dentures.

A Sudden Change in Their Finances

Abuse doesn’t always come in the form of physical neglect or harm. Elders can also be financially abused. A sudden change in their finances should signal a warning that someone’s abusing their finances.

Be sure to check their bank statements and question any withdrawals you don’t believe they made. Any unpaid bills should be questioned as well, as should a new friend to who they’re giving money, or a sudden change to important legal documents.

Behavioral Changes

One of the last red flags of elder abuse is behavioral changes. Any behavioral changes such as seeming scared around certain staff members, depression, and confusion should be addressed. If you notice your loved one acting in a strange manner, then you’ll want to speak to them about these changes.

Elder abuse is never justified, even if it’s not causing physical harm. Take any small change in their behavior seriously and speak with an attorney if needed.

Know the Signs of Elder Abuse and Stop It Today

Your loved one deserves happy and peaceful elderly years. Know the signs of elder abuse and put a stop to it today. Remember, elder abuse symptoms aren’t always physical ones, so be on the lookout for any strange behavior or sudden changes in their life as well.

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