No one wants to worry about the possibility that their elderly loved one may have been mistreated while residing in a nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are all too common. According to the National Institute on Aging, around 10 percent of people over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect.
Family members can play a key role in preventing nursing home abuse by catching it early on. Visiting your loved one regularly and being familiar with the staff at a nursing home will help you notice any changes in your loved one’s behavior or appearance that could be indicative of abuse. It is important to be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect so that you can take action if you suspect that your loved one is being harmed.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes any type of physical force that results in pain or injury, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or kicking. Signs of physical abuse may include bruises, cuts, broken bones, or other unexplained injuries. If you notice any of these signs on your loved one’s body, it is important to ask them what happened and report these issues to the nursing home staff immediately.
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