Warning Signs of Abuse

The sad fact is that many nursing home or assisted living facility residents, or those receiving home care, are unable or unwilling to speak about abuses they may have suffered due to their medical condition, shame or fear of retaliation. It is critical that residents' families and visitors take an active role in the safety of their loved ones. There are important warning signs to actively look for:

General Health and Well-being of the Resident:

• Does the resident have obvious signs of new physical trauma (open cuts, fractures, welts, burns, bruises)?
• Is the patient's medical condition deteriorating rapidly? How is the resident's hygiene being maintained (condition, regular bathing, oral hygiene, unkempt appearance, untrimmed nails)?
• Does the resident demonstrate unexpected or unusual behavior (emotionally upset, agitated, withdrawn, fearful) or make unusual or frequent complaints?
• Is there evidence of unwarranted use of medication or restraints?

Facility or Caretaker Responsibilities

• Is the patient correctly positioned in bed, and turned/moved frequently?
• Are room and facility conditions clean and sanitary? Are fecal or urine odors present in the room or facility?
• Is the staff responsive to family questions and requests for assistance and changes? Is there enough staff present for the resident's unit, and are frequent room visits made?
• Does the staff answer call bells or cries for help in a timely manner?
• Does the staff give proper assistance during meals? Does the staff help residents with walking? Does the staff give proper encouragement and assistance with lifestyle activities?
• Are financial matters handled properly (the resident is aware of their finances, resident funds are secure or kept in interest-bearing accounts)? Is stealing or embezzling of a resident's money or property occurring?

These and other warning signs are often the best way of knowing if neglect or abuse have occurred or will occur. It is up to the resident's family members or visitors to be observant, and to take action if neglect or abuse is present or suspected.