Elder abuse occurs in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities across California. When caregivers mistreat and neglect residents in long-term care homes, they are guilty of this type of behavior. Here are four of the most common warning signs to look out for:
#1: Emotional Problems
Your elderly relative may not be able to tell you exactly what’s going on with their care, but their behavior might indicate that they are being abused. If an elderly person is suddenly withdrawn, refusing to talk or appears extremely fearful and anxious, there could be elder abuse going on.
#2: Physical Decline
When a nursing home is not providing residents with proper care, it’s no surprise that residents will start declining physically. If your loved one has developed new health problems, seems lethargic or appears dehydrated, these physical symptoms could indicate neglect.
#3: Unexplained Injuries
Unexplained injuries are a clear sign of abuse and neglect at a care home. Every injury that a patient has should be documented and explained. If your loved one has an injury that you were not told about, it might be that they were abused by staff or they fell while no one was watching.
#4: Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is another obvious indication that nursing home patients are not being properly cared for. If an elderly nursing home resident appears dirty, smells bad and is living in a messy room, this is not their fault. Nursing home staff are expected to take care of residents’ basic grooming, hygiene and housekeeping needs.
Speak up if you see signs of elderly abuse
It’s important to alert authorities if you notice elder abuse. When it is allowed to go on unchecked, it can have a severely negative impact on nursing home residents’ health and happiness.