Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect at Nursing Homes
Look for signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect.

What are the warning signs of elder abuse and neglect at a nursing home?

highly profitable industries tend to work. Throw in billions of dollars pumped into the system by susceptible public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and MediCal, and the nursing home industry is ripe for exploitation by unscrupulous profiteers. So how is a family member or guardian to ensure that his or her loved one receives the best care possible?
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 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”
Call Toll Free To Speak With A Nursing Home / Elder Abuse Attorney:
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