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: