The Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) reported 9,407 adult abuse or neglect cases in 2021.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is a severe problem that has devastating consequences and affects all racial and ethnic groups. Nursing home abuse takes many forms, including mental abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
All too often, your loved one may not be able to detail the abuse due to embarrassment or disability. In the video below, Attorney Heath Brooks further explains why nursing home abuse may go unnoticed. Since these cases can be so easily missed, it is important to take steps to prevent and identify nursing home abuse.
6 Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
- Bedsores
- Medication errors
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Sudden weight loss
- Bruising or broken bones
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Bedsores
Bedsores or pressure ulcers are common signs of neglect in a nursing home. They most often develop on a person’s heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone and are often a result of the person not being moved or turned regularly.
Look out for redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation on your loved one. If your loved one is black, bedsores may appear to be somewhat purple, blue, or shiny rather than red.
Medication Errors
Not receiving medication as prescribed or receiving the wrong medication is considered abuse.
If you notice your loved one is incoherent, tired, or sleeping much of the day, it could be a sign they are not getting the proper medication dosage.
Unsanitary Living Conditions
Dirty living quarters, soiled bedding, filthy bathrooms, and foul odors can point to staff neglect.
Dirty clothing, body odor, and other signs of poor hygiene would also fall under this category.
Sudden Weight Loss
Malnutrition is a form of abuse in an assisted living facility, and sudden weight loss is one of the most obvious signs to look out for.
Other signs that your loved one is not being adequately fed and hydrated include dry skin, cracked lips, sunken eyes, and lowered energy levels.
Bruising or Broken Bones
Unexplained bruising or broken bones could be a sign that a resident is being physically abused or neglected.
Typically, bruising occurs if an employee or the nursing home or assisted living facility strikes a resident, but it may also be a sign of sexual abuse. In addition to checking for bruises, observe the wrists and ankles for scars or welts that may result from unnecessary or too-tight restraints (e.g., ropes, handcuffs, or belts).
Unknown or unexplained broken bones are also a red flags, but may point to different types of abuse.
For instance, if your loved one breaks a leg or hip in a fall, improper training, staffing, or unsafe living conditions might be the underlying cause. However, a more uncommon incident, like a skull fracture, points toward physical abuse.
Whether it’s bruising or a broken bone, make sure to seek medical attention to treat the injury first. A medical exam can help determine the cause of the injury.
Sudden Changes in Mood or Behavior
Changes in your loved one’s usual demeanor, anxiety, depression, or fearfulness are all signs of mental or emotional abuse.
These changes may cause them to withdraw from their typical hobbies and activities, stop taking care of their personal hygiene, or experience physical signs of stress like sudden weight loss.
They may even exhibit strange behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking.
How to Prevent Abuse
Beyond learning to recognize these typical signs of abuse, there are a few things you can do to help prevent abuse in a long-term care facility.
- Conduct Research – Do right by your loved one. Check the nursing home’s ratings and reviews in advance and investigate any reports of abuse.
- Schedule Visits – Visit often and at different times of the day to get a sense of care standards. Be aware of and pay attention to changes in physical or mental behavior.
- Be an Advocate – Be a champion for your loved one. You should always feel free to speak with nursing home care providers to ensure your loved ones’ needs are being met. Communicate regularly with staff and report suspected abuse immediately.
It’s important to remember that your efforts can make a difference.
In 2021, the Adult Protective Services Division of ADHR reported that 1,715 cases of neglect and abuse were prevented. Preventions are defined as instances where concerns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation would have occurred if assistance had not been provided.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse?
If you suspect abuse and believe someone is in imminent danger, call local law enforcement first. When the danger is not immediate, you can do the following:
- Document the suspected abuse – Keep a detailed record, including dates, times, and all relevant information. This documentation can be helpful if legal action is taken.
- Offer support – Help them seek medical or legal assistance and get them connected with an organization that provides support for the elderly.
- Contact the elder abuse hotline – You can also contact adult protective services or law enforcement. It is important to report your concerns to the authorities immediately.
Alabama Resident Resources
Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-458-7214
ElderCare Hotline: 1-800-356-9596
Nursing Home Complaint Form
Alabama Resident Resources
Adult Abuse Hotline:
1-800-458-7214
ElderCare Hotline:
1-800-356-9596
Nursing Home Complaint Form
In addition to reporting abuse, you may want to consult a nursing home abuse attorney. An attorney can help you understand legal options and take the necessary steps to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one have encountered facilities that do not adhere to appropriate standards, please contact the expert attorneys at Timberlake & League. We can help.
