How to Identify Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes 

Do you have a loved one living in a nursing home or assisted living facility? We understand that this is a tough situation because you want to ensure that your loved one gets the best care possible, and most people don't have time to stop by daily to monitor the facility's care.

If you've become aware of any problems, you can bring them to the attention of the facility's management, but chances are that you won't discover every detail. Keep in mind that you can call elder abuse lawyers at any time to get answers to any tough questions you may have regarding nursing home negligence.

What is Elder Abuse?

One commits elder abuse by subjecting a senior citizen to physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment; by neglecting or abandoning a senior; or by exploiting a senior for financial or material gain. Even self-neglect, whereby a senior citizen fails to perform essential self-care tasks, may be characterized as elder abuse for purposes of referring a case to adult protective services (APS).

Signs Of Elder Abuse

Unfortunately, seniors are often vulnerable to various types of elder abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, and neglect or self-neglect.

In some cases, the only person in a position to help is the very one who is perpetrating the abuse, which can include caregivers, friends, or even close family. Seniors, especially in those cases, often feel trapped and alone.

However, there are ways that you can help: One way is by reporting suspected cases of elder abuse to the authorities. In order to do so, you’ll have to know what to look for. There are common signs of elder abuse. If you can identify them; you may save someone’s life.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the intentional use of force that results in pain, injury, or impairment to an elderly victim. It can include striking, shaking or inappropriately restraining a victim, intentionally giving inappropriate medications to a victim, or force-feeding a victim, among other acts, including:

  • Bruising, lacerations, punctures, or welts
  • Sprains, dislocations, fractures, or broken bones
  • Burn marks
  • Recurring or unexplained injuries
  • Poorly treated or untreated injuries
  • Poor skin condition/hygiene
  • Hair loss
  • Dehydration or malnutrition
  • Weight loss
  • Soiled clothing or bedding
  • Unsanitary environment
  • Depression or withdrawal
  • Hesitation to talk openly
  • Fearfulness of caregivers
  • Confusing or contradictory statements or accounts of injuries
  • Unexplained agitation
  • Denial of injuries

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to sexual contact with an elderly person that is non-consensual. An elderly person who lacks mental capacity cannot grant consent.

Signs of sexual abuse include:

  • Torn or stained undergarments
  • Bruising on the breasts or genitals
  • Difficulty walking or sitting
  • Unexplained genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases
  • Unusual behavior (withdrawn or overly aggressive)
  • Inappropriate interactions between the victim and the perpetrator

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological or emotional abuse is the intentional infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through either verbal or non-verbal conduct.

Signs of psychological or emotional abuse include:

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Increased levels of stress (higher blood pressure)
  • Problems sleeping
  • Depressed, withdrawn, or confused
  • Visibly fearful in the presence of the perpetrator
  • Non-responsive
  • Displays unusual behavior or nervous tics (rocking, biting, scratching, etc.)

Financial Abuse or Exploitation

Elder financial abuse or exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an elderly person's assets.

Signs of financial abuse or exploitation include:

  • New "best friends"
  • Previously distant family or friends are more involved
  • Suspicious signatures on accounts
  • New names added to accounts or property titles
  • Recently signed legal documents that a senior can't explain
  • Recent (or multiple) revisions to an estate plan
  • Withdrawals or transfers that an elderly person cannot explain
  • Possessions go missing
  • Mail for a senior's various financial accounts redirected to a new address
  • Unpaid bills and notices of default or eviction
  • New and unnecessary services provided
  • Services seem inadequate compared to the size of senior's estate
  • Confusion about financial arrangements
  • Need to consult another person before making financial decisions
  • Embarrassment or feelings of guilt
  • Increased levels of stress and anxiety
  • Isolation from self or loved ones (from pressure by perpetrator)

Neglect and Self-Neglect

Neglect is a caregiver's refusal to provide for the necessary care of an elder and can be intentional or unintentional. Elder self-neglect also involves the lack of necessary care for seniors, but without any third-party perpetrator as the neglect is a result of the elderly person's own action or inaction.

Signs of neglect or self-neglect include:

  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Bedsores or skin rashes
  • Untreated infections or unattended injuries
  • Dehydration or malnutrition
  • Weight loss
  • Unsanitary living conditions (foul odors, infestations, trash, etc)
  • Unsafe living conditions (inadequate plumbing, heating/air, ventilation, etc.)
  • Lack of food
  • Inadequate or dirty clothing
  • Lack of medical aids (hearing aids, glasses, dentures)
  • Unpaid bills
  • Emotionally detached
  • Refusal to seek outside help
  • Self-destructive
  • Inadequate or inconsistent sleep
  • Sudden loss of appetite unrelated to medical conditions

Potential Identifiers of Nursing Home Abuse

Some factors to keep an eye on that can affect how employees who provide negligent care in long-term care facilities include:

  • Employee burnout
  • Greed
  • Inadequate supervision
  • Understaffing
  • Budget cuts
  • Cutting corners
  • Lack of training
  • Improper background checks

Is Your Loved One in a Safe Environment?

As the family member of an elderly person, you have placed your trust into a nursing home or rehab facility to provide a high level of care.

If you're not convinced that a nursing home is a safe environment for your family member, you should strive to be present more often, especially by visiting at different points of the day, night, and weekend. If staff members know that you're watching, they may be less likely to be abusive. By being vigilant and random in your visits, you'll become more aware of the situation.

Take Action with our Los Angeles Expert Elder Abuse Lawyers

It's important to remember: Don't ignore suspected elder abuse. This will just allow for the same unfortunate situation to potentially affect other residents living in the same facility.

Our skilled elder abuse lawyers in Los Angeles are eager to help with your particular case. An elder abuse attorney is a specific type of personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable in taking legal action against long-term care facilities that are licensed by the state of California.

To ensure the best possible outcome for your loved one, it is crucial that you retain experienced nursing home neglect lawyers. If you would like more information on a case review concerning potential nursing home abuse, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated nursing home neglect lawyers today.

Get a Free Case Evaluation from our Elder Abuse Attorneys

If your loved one is experiencing abuse or injury due to someone else's negligence, you need an experienced personal injury and elder abuse attorney, fighting aggressively and passionately by your side.

Our experienced attorneys will protect your legal rights and help you recover the full compensation that you deserve.

For a free initial consultation and dedicated representation, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated attorneys by phone at (323) 999-3500 or by email at office@gutierrez.legal.

At the Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez, we're fully equipped to handle your case with:

  • 40+ Years of Experience
  • Millions of Dollars Recovered
  • Thousands of Cases Resolved
  • We Help You Claim What’s Yours!