Putting a loved one into a nursing home is a delicate situation. While you are looking for someone to be able to take care of your elder, you also want to be sure they will not harm them. When staff members of a home commit elder abuse, knowingly or otherwise, they may not come right out and tell someone. Because of this, it may be up to friends and family to identify abuse, but what are the signs?
There are many ways a person can suffer elder abuse outside of violence. There are many different ways to identify the various forms of abuse. Depending on the type of damage, there may be different signs.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse can come from anger or frustration, but also ignorance. If the medical staff is not aware of a resident’s particular needs or sensitivities, they can cause physical harm without knowing it. Signs of damage include bruises, scrapes, scabs, flinching, aversion to touch, or sudden panicking.
Emotional or sexual abuse
Caretakers may say or do abusive or otherwise hurtful things to a resident regularly. This treatment can result in a loved one becoming silent towards loved ones, depression, or other forms of shutting themselves off from people.
Financial abuse
Some elderly adults may be vulnerable to financial manipulation. They may be easily confused by situations involving finances, which makes them agree with whatever someone tells them. As a result, finances may disappear from accounts, estate plans may suddenly change, or possessions may vanish.
Neglect
When someone who depends on others for care is not receiving the attention they need, they can suffer serious injuries. Bedsores, malnourishment, overused clothing can all indicate negligence. There can also be smaller signs of neglect. If your loved one does not have clean teeth or regularly has dirt under their nails, it may be a sign of staff not tending to resident’s needs.
Stay vigilant
Even if your loved one has had years of success in their home, things can change. New staff may result in physical, emotional, financial, or neglectful abuse. Keep tabs on your loved one, and do not overlook a possible sign of abuse.