Identifying and Addressing Nursing Home Abuse

Shayan

Shayan Tariq

Allowing a stranger to care for your elderly loved ones is a considerable risk. Where many nursing homes seem welcoming and efficient in caretaking, that might only sometimes be the case.
Often, older people are unaware of the abuse directed at them. They might also choose not to share the difficulties with their loved ones.
This article will discuss symptoms and signs of nursing home abuse that you can observe to help out your elderly loved ones.

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect often go hand-in-hand. Understanding the two will help determine the intensity of the situation.
Abuse can classify as any mental, emotional, sexual, or physical pain intentionally inflicted upon another. This may include intentionally injuring them, refusing them to socialize, intimidating them, or depriving them of basic needs as punishment.
Neglect is described as a failure to fulfill the responsibility of providing care. This may include the inability to protect, ignoring signs of physical illness, or not saving them from abuse.

Signs of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is easy to notice since nursing homes cannot hide it. It may occur in the form of frequent broken bones, bruises on the body, frequent falling, bruises on the cheeks, or welts from being constrained. Paying attention to their wrists, arms, and ankles is essential.
You may also notice your loved ones losing or having broken possessions. They might be hesitant to socialize and will startle easily.

Emotional Abuse

Elders are just as vulnerable as little children. Their minds are molded to believe things that may not be true, like being unloved by family members and thinking they are useless or unworthy of living. It's pretty subtle, but observe their behavioral changes, fear of being alone, refusal to take medication, or even repeated actions such as rubbing hands, rocking, or sucking thumbs.

Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse of the elderly is quite common and often goes unnoticed. When visiting your loved ones, notice a change in their behavior around certain staff members. Keep in check their frequent demands for new undergarments. If there are signs of bleeding, bruises around the genitals, or an unexplained STI, it might be time to question, probe, and take action.

Neglect

Neglect is easy to observe. A neglected elderly will be malnourished, have poor cleanliness, have an unsanitary room, or have unexpected weight loss. They may be experiencing frequent infections, have injuries unattended, or bedsores.

Reach Out to Help

It is time to take action if you notice any signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect. Keep records of visible abuse and retrieve medical records from the nursing home. Immediately remove your elderly loved one and bring them home.
Contact a Dallas nursing home lawyer to find out your rights to sue. Present the evidence to build a case and receive justice for your loved ones. Filing a lawsuit will lead to financial compensation that you can use to provide your loved ones with in-home nursing care facilities or move them to a better location.
Always remain on the lookout for any abuse. It often remains unseen and is rarely shared by your elderly loved ones. If you observe any abuse, do not hesitate to call for help and take action.
Like this project

Posted Sep 1, 2025

Article on signs of nursing home abuse and legal actions.