Nursing Home Negligence

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse

Sadly, patients who are victims of abuse or neglect in a nursing home are often unwilling or unable to communicate the harm that is being done to them. They may worry that staff will get angry with them and treat them even worse, they may be afraid no one will believe them, or they may be simply physically incapable of talking about the terrible treatment they have received.

If you notice any of the following issues, t a nursing home may not be providing the care your loved one needs.

Warning signs of nursing home neglect or abuse include:

• A decline in personal hygiene – If a resident is unable to change their own clothes, practice good oral hygiene, bathe, groom, or clean themselves after eating or creating mess, they depend on staff for help to stay clean.
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration, bedsores or pressure sores – These conditions suggest that basic needs for food, water, and movement to change positions in a bed are not being met.
• Unusual changes in behaviour – If a patient becomes withdrawn or very quiet, or if they become agitated or scared of staff and other residents, they may not be getting the care, safety and security they need; or the may have improper medication
• Poor or unsafe conditions in the facility – Dirty and unsanitary conditions, poor security or dangerous living areas (poor lighting, equipment left in hallways, slippery floors, etc.) can be evidence of neglect.
• Unexplained injuries – Bruising, broken bones, and cuts can suggest there has been a physical assault, improper use of restraints, or a fall/accident from dangerous living conditions. If a resident is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection but does not have the mental capacity to consent, it may be evidence of abuse.
• Buying too many gifts for staff or other residents, loss of personal property or unusual bank account activity – A resident could be being manipulated for their money.