People move into nursing homes and other long-term care facilities when they can’t take care of themselves anymore. They count on the nursing home staff members to provide the assistance they need, which can include a variety of tasks. Unfortunately, there are times when that doesn’t happen. Nursing home neglect and abuse are possible, and they may not always be associated with easily visible signs like bruises or broken bones.
Subtle signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can often go unnoticed, especially if the resident isn’t visited frequently. It’s critical to understand what subtle signs might point to problems at the facility so they can be addressed quickly.
Personality changes
Some personality changes of nursing home residents are attributed to cognitive changes and other medical conditions, but that’s not always the cause. A resident who was once talkative and outgoing may suddenly become withdrawn or quiet. This may increase around certain staff members, which can signal that the staff member isn’t treating the resident properly.
Some other signs to watch for include:
- Being easily startled
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Avoiding eye contact
Watching for those signs is beneficial because it may make it possible for action to be taken before the abuse or neglect get worse.
Environmental warnings
Sudden changes in the environment of the nursing home may also be a sign. This can include a lack of cleanliness in common areas or rooms, disorganization with the staff or missed care for the resident. In some cases, residents who are being neglected or abused may have poor personal hygiene or wear outfits that aren’t appropriate for the temperature indoors or weather outdoors.
Nursing home abuse and neglect can have significant negative effects on the resident, even if the signs of it are subtle. It may be possible to take legal action in response to these issues. Working with someone familiar with these matters may make this process a bit less stressful.
