When families decide their elderly members are ready to live in a nursing home, they expect that member to receive proper care that doesn’t strip them of their dignity. Far too often, our elderly citizens are victims of abuse and neglect that goes unnoticed or unreported until serious harm has been done.
That harm can cause a combination of physical, sexual, emotional, and financial damages to the victim. If you or a family member lives in a nursing home, it’s critical to understand the symptoms and injuries linked to nursing home abuse and neglect.
Symptoms & Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Physical – Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, welts, or sores; Broken bones, sprains, or fractures, especially if explanation is inconsistent; Pressure ulcers or bedsores; Malnutrition or dehydration (sudden or unexplained weight loss, sunken eyes or cheeks); Poor personal hygiene; Repeated falls, fractures, or injuries; Medication errors (overmedication, missed doses); Bruising or injuries caused by restraints.
Behavioral and Emotional – Sudden or unexplained changes in mood or behavior (depression, anxiety, agitation, fearfulness, uneasiness around certain caregivers); Social Isolation; Changes in sleep or eating habits.
Sexual Abuse – Bruising or bleeding around genitals or thighs; Unexplained sexually transmitted infections; Sudden difficulty walking or sitting; Intense fear of physical touch; Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing.
Financial Exploitation – Unexplained withdrawals or missing cash; Missing personal items or valuables; Sudden changes in financial documents; New “friends” or staff showing unusual interest in finances; Bills left unpaid despite the resident having resources.
Facility/Staffing – Staff refusing to leave you alone with the resident; Staff unable to explain injuries, infections, or medical changes; Delayed response times when residents call for help; Staff appearing overwhelmed, hostile, or untrained; Overworked or chronically understaffed facility; Staff discourages questions or gets defensive when asked about care; Strong smells (urine/feces) throughout the facility; Lack of activities or social engagement; Dirty restroom, dining, or common areas; Incorrect use of lifts, wheelchairs, or medical equipment.
Injuries that can be caused by Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Physical – Bruises, cuts, abrasions, welts; Fractures and broken bones (mainly hips, arms, wrists, ribs); Head injuries/concussions; Sprains, strains, torn ligaments; Internal bleeding or organ injury; Dislocations (shoulder, hip, knee); Burns (from hot liquids, heating pads, or restraints); Dental trauma (broken teeth, jaw injuries).
Neglect – Pressure sores (bedsores) — Stage III or Stage IV are severe and can be fatal; Infections (UTIs, wound infections, sepsis); Severe dehydration; Malnutrition; Falls resulting in broken bones, head trauma, and internal bleeding; Aspiration pneumonia (often from poorly managed feeding); Heat injuries or hypothermia due to poor climate control; Skin tears and repeated, avoidable bruising; Constipation or bowel obstruction from inadequate toileting; Medication injuries.
Sexual Abuse – Bruising, cuts, or abrasions on thighs, genitals, buttocks, or breasts; Genital or anal bleeding; Pain when sitting or walking; Sexually transmitted infections; Torn or bloody underclothes; Severe psychological trauma.
Financial Exploitation – Loss of savings; Inability to afford medical care; Missed medications or treatments due to stolen funds; Eviction or forced transfer to lower-quality facilities.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse or Neglect is Happening?
If you or a loved one suspects abuse, you must take action quickly and document as much evidence as you possibly can. There are several steps you can take to start documenting possible nursing home abuse and neglect.
- Take photos of the injuries and record the date and time the injury occurred. Note the names of the staff involved and anything that comes up during the conversation that can be useful.
- Make sure you contact the facility’s administration to report your concern. Documenting an incident establishes a clear timeline.
- You can also contact a local adult protective services (APS). In more serious cases, especially those involving sexual or financial abuse, you may also need to contact the local police.
- Seek medical attention and have an evaluation done. Doctors will document injuries, dehydration, malnutrition, and signs of neglect.
- Contact a lawyer right away. Nursing homes may deny wrongdoing or fail to preserve evidence. Having a lawyer on your side ensures the facility handles evidence properly and that the resident’s safety remains a priority.
Weisser Law understands how emotional and overwhelming nursing home abuse can be. Our dedicated, compassionate team will take the time to hear your story, investigate the facts, and hold those responsible for the abuse accountable.
Contact Weisser Law today for your free, no-pressure consultation.