When you move your loved one to a nursing home, you hope that they will get the best possible care. However, during one of your visits, you find them withdrawn, bruised, or fearful. What do you do? You ask the staff, and they just “explain” away your concerns. Could this be a sign of something more serious? According to data from the WHO, it is estimated that at least one in every six nursing home residents over 60 years old suffered abuse in 2024.
“Many families think nursing home abuse is rare, but from our experience, these cases are under-reported. In fact, for every case that makes it to court, countless others go unreported because of fear, cognitive impairment, or lack of evidence,” says attorney Michael Duffy of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC. This article explores five indicators of nursing home abuse you should be wary of. Contact the authorities immediately if you see your loved one showing any of these signs. In addition to criminal charges, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you by filing a civil claim against the center.
Falls and Fractures
The first thought that comes to mind when you hear of falls and fractures in a nursing home setting is accidents. But sometimes, the reasons behind them could be neglect and negligence. Nursing homes have a legal obligation to ensure resident safety. When wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered hallways, or uneven surfaces lead to falls, it could be labeled as abuse. At the same time, many residents require walkers, wheelchairs, or staff assistance to move safely. When the management fails to provide this assistance, residents could attempt to move independently, risking falling and injuring themselves.
Bedsores
Bedsores are a red flag for nursing home abuse because they can be prevented with proper care. They occur when pressure restricts blood flow to the skin and mostly form in bony areas such as hips, heels, elbows, and the lower back when they experience prolonged pressure. If not addressed, bedsores could progress through four stages, from red, irritated skin to deep, infected wounds that expose the muscles or bones.
Unexplained Physical Injuries
Next, if you notice any sign of physical injury on your loved one, it could be a strong indicator of nursing home abuse, especially when you notice them frequently with insufficient explanation from the staff. Some could stem from accidents, but sometimes, they could arise from intentional harm, improper restraints, or a failure to provide necessary care.
Physical injuries to watch out for include bruises, cuts, and lacerations around the wrists, arms, or face. Look out for broken bones, which could indicate shoving, excessive force, or failure to assist residents with mobility.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Residents depend on caregivers to provide food, fluids, and even assistance with eating. If the staff fails to meet these needs, malnutrition and dehydration could lead to serious health complications, hospitalization, and sometimes even death.
Money Problems
Many residents of nursing homes have diminished cognitive abilities and physical limitations that force them to depend on others to manage their finances. This makes them especially vulnerable to financial exploitation.
Look out for frequent or large ATM withdrawals that the resident could not have made on their own, as well as sudden purchases that do not match their spending habits. Even worse, jewelry, credit cards, and other important documents may disappear from their room.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. These are attorneys who take on cases involving elder law, personal injury, and wrongful death, and they can help you hold the nursing home accountable and secure compensation for the harm suffered. Lawyers will collect medical records, facility reports, security footage, and witness statements to prove mistreatment. They will also help you identify whether the facility, staff, or third parties are liable.
