What are the warning signs of elder abuse and neglect at a nursing home?
What are the signs of neglect or abuse at a nursing home?
The signs of abuse and neglect are largely what one might expect: Are residents wearing dingy or dirty clothes? Is their skin dirty? Are residents developing a high number of bed sores? Do they look malnourished? Do residents have unexplained bruises? Are bed guardrails kept in an elevated position? (This can be a health issue for elderly residents.)
What is elder abuse?
According to the law, “elder abuse” can take one or more of several forms, including but not limited to:
- physical abuse of elders
- neglect of elders
- financial abuse or exploitation of elders
- abandonment or isolation of elders
- abduction of elders
- any treatment that results in physical and/or psychological harm to elders
“Neglect” itself is a complex term that encompasses, according to the law, several components, including but not limited to:
- failure to assist in personal hygiene
- failure to provide food, clothing, and/or shelter
- failure to provide necessary care for physical health
- failure to provide necessary care for mental health
- failure to protect from health and safety hazards
- failure to prevent malnutrition and/or dehydration
What do you do if you notice signs of neglect or abuse at a nursing home?
According to the Health in Aging Foundation, if one identifies signs of neglect and/or abuse in any resident at a nursing home (not just his or her loved one), he or she should:
- Report the concern to a member of the nursing staff
- If this does not resolve the matter to the individual’s satisfaction, report the matter to an ombudsman, who is responsible for handling possible violations
- If the matter still is not resolved to satisfaction, contact the state or local department of health
Sources:
National Institutes of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine
“Nursing Homes”
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Research: Statistics/Data
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
“Long-Term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States: Data from the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers, 2013-2014”
The Health In Aging Foundation
“Aging & Health A to Z: Nursing Homes”
Health In Aging Foundation
“Ensuring Quality Nursing Home Care: Before you choose a nursing home”
Health In Aging Foundation
“Ensuring Quality Nursing Home Care: Before you choose a nursing home”
