When you think about a nursing home or assisted living facility, the first things that come to mind are care, comfort, and safety. It’s a place where you expect that your loved one’s well-being is the top priority. But unfortunately, that trust can sometimes be broken.
Nursing home abuse, mistreatment, and neglect in institutional settings are more common than many people realize. In fact, two out of three nursing home staff members admit that they’ve been involved in such incidents over the past years. (1)
If you’re in a situation where you suspect your loved one is being abused in a care facility, it’s essential not to ignore it. Here are the things you’ll need to do:
Watch for the Warning Signs
Nursing home abuse isn’t easy to recognize. In many cases, it’s subtle, and the victim may be unable or afraid to speak up. Having a strong intuition can be the first sign of mistreatment in a residential care facility.
To back up your instincts, watch for these visible common signs (2):
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming distant, aggressive, or fearful
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
- Signs of malnutrition
- Bedsores or untreated medical issues
Document any concerning patterns you observe, too. Take a photo of any physical injuries, and include the date and time.
Consider asking the staff about your concerns and pay attention to how they respond. Vague answers, defensiveness, or inconsistencies could indicate a deeper problem. If so, escalate the issue to the nursing home administrator or management.
Consult With an Attorney
Once you have enough reason to believe your family member is a victim of poor service, consult a legal professional right away. A skilled lawyer for nursing abuse can be your strongest ally in this situation. Share what you’ve observed about the facility and its residents during your visits.
Your attorney can determine if there are grounds for legal action. They may suggest filing a formal complaint with regulatory agencies. Or perhaps they’ll help you gather more evidence of abuse to strengthen your claim.
Given that there are over 1.3 million active lawyers in the United States, each with their own area of expertise, choosing the right legal representation can feel overwhelming. To narrow down your options, focus on someone with extensive experience in nursing home abuse law. After all, it’s in their hands whether your case moves forward or stalls. So, this is one decision you don’t want to rush. (3)
Talk to Your Loved One
This is one of the most critical steps in identifying potential abuse in nursing homes. But avoid asking questions like ‘Are they abusing you?’ or ‘Who gave you those bruises?’. These can make them feel scared or defensive. Instead, keep the conversation light while still figuring out what’s going on.
Here are a few ways to approach it:
- Find a quiet spot: Choose a private place where your loved one can speak freely without staff around or other distractions. The goal is to help them feel safe and at ease.
- Ask open questions: Gently ask about their well-being and daily experiences. You could say, ‘How have things been lately?’ or ‘Is there anything that’s been bothering you?’ These types of questions give them room to share without pressure.
- Speak with empathy: Approach every conversation with kindness and love. They might not feel ready to talk right away, and that’s okay. Give them time. What’s important is showing them you’re there to listen and support.
Hearing about abuse is not an easy conversation, and it may be hard for both of you to process. But stay composed and firm. Your calmness can help them feel safe and more confident that action will be taken.
Steps You Should Take If Proven Right
If your suspicions are confirmed and you’ve proven that physical and emotional abuse is happening, the next step is to act decisively.
Here are the key steps to follow:
- Ensure their safety: The priority is to remove your loved one from the harmful environment. That means moving them to another licensed nursing home or getting them the medical care they need.
- Report the abuse: Notify the proper authorities immediately, such as adult protective services, local law enforcement, or a state agency overseeing institutional settings. These organizations can investigate the case further.
- Offer ongoing support: Your senior family member may experience emotional or mental health trauma. Providing support and connecting them with counseling services can be vital for their recovery.
A nursing home abuse attorney can guide you through legal proceedings. They may also assist you in pursuing a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for the terrible harm caused.
You may also want to consider connecting with support groups or organizations that specialize in elder care advocacy. Knowing you’re not alone and learning from others’ experiences can provide emotional strength and practical guidance.
Nursing Home Abuse Awareness
It feels heavy to think that a loved one might be suffering in a place where you’ve entrusted their well-being. No one wants to imagine that mistreatment could be happening behind closed doors. But ignoring the possibility doesn’t make it go away. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to make a move.
Your loved one’s safety is too important to overlook. So, stay vigilant and advocate for everyone’s protection because every resident deserves to live with dignity in their later years.
References:
1. “Abuse of older people”, Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people
2. “Infographic: Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse”, Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse/spotting-signs-elder-abuse
3. “Number of lawyers in the United States from 2007 to 2024”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/740222/number-of-lawyers-us/
