Ageing brings change, many changes. Illnesses and some medical problems can make caring for a loved one at home difficult at times. Seniors with time-intensive care needs would be best suited for a nursing home or permanent aged care facility with 24-hour medical personnel nearby and easy doctor access.
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about the treatment our elderly loved ones get in nursing homes. Sadly, the elderly population is a prime target for abuse; most victims are those who live in nursing facilities.
Check for Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is any behavior directed against a person causing psychological suffering, that is, coercion, humiliation, threat, or verbal insult. Since emotional abuse in nursing homes often leaves no physical symptoms, it is difficult to know whether a loved one is suffering in such surroundings.
Elderly people who suddenly change their mood or show depressed symptoms are sometimes victims of emotional abuse. Family members should closely monitor the behavior of their loved ones and look into whether their personalities change unexpectedly after being housed in a nursing care center.
The emotional neglect the older person suffers in the early phases of their stay in a new location could also contribute to their disengagement from usual social events. There are ways on how to report a nursing home for emotional abuse that can help ensure the safety and well-being of elderly residents in care facilities.
Physical Injuries
Among the most obvious kinds of mistreatment that happens in nursing homes is physical one. Nevertheless, the elderly person’s lack of communication makes it sometimes underreported or undetected. Learning how to spot physical abuse symptoms will help you to be sure a loved one in a nursing home is in good condition.
In an aged person, unexplained bruises or injuries can be indicators of physical violence. Mobility-challenged residents run the risk of developing bedsores. When left untreated, they become serious wounds. Medication mistakes in nursing homes are still another indication of physical mistreatment. The staff’s negligence is risky; it causes drug abuse that might cause underdoses, overdoses, or drug interactions, physically affecting the patient.
Notice Financial Exploitation
Another kind of abuse is financial exploitation, in which case, a caretaker robs elderly people of their retirement funds. This could include open fund manipulation, signature forging on financial documents, theft, or changes in the beneficiary of retirement accounts.
Sometimes, it is agreed upon between the parties concerned that the caregiver winning the trust of elderly people and becoming a benefactor regarding specific matters is not technically an act that qualifies as financial exploitation. However, it is financial exploitation and illegal if it violates elder law statutes or regulations or the lawyer’s designated powers.
Fear of Nursing Home Staff
A growing fear of the nursing home staff is maybe the most clear indication of maltreatment that is sometimes missed. Many seniors in nursing homes experience anxiety and despair; nevertheless, it is never a good sign if patients are afraid of the nurses.
A pervasive dread of nursing professionals can point to general indicators of neglect. Should you observe this behavior in a loved one, you should pay particular attention to other indicators of neglect, such as dehydration or weight. Investigating the actions of a certain nurse you find that your senior is afraid of will help guarantee that they have not harmed your loved one.
Endnote
Although nursing home abuse is horrible, you may aid your loved one by being able to identify the warning indicators. Whether it’s physical, sexual, neglect, emotional, or financial exploitation, acting the minute you spot red flags and suspect the abuse will help to keep your loved one safe and pursue justice.
Not all nursing homes neglect and abuse their residents. If you are sure that it is not elder abuse, and just difficulty adjusting, you can also help your loved one learn some self-care techniques to ease the transition. Additionally, it may also help to visit them more often to provide them with love and support in person.
This article was written for WHN by Julia Rae, a dedicated writer and expert in the health and Lifestyle industry, with over 10+ years of experience in health research and policy. They are committed to exploring innovative solutions that promote well-being and improve healthcare outcomes. When not writing, Julia Rae enjoys hiking and volunteering in community health and Lifestyle programs.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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