Residents of nursing homes count on the staff members to help them with their daily needs. Most staff members do this with care, but there are times when workers who don’t have the residents’ best interests slip through the protective measures meant to keep residents safe.
Nursing home neglect and abuse are horrific situations for the residents. In some cases, the signs of abuse aren’t physical. Learning the emotional signs to look for may be beneficial for anyone who has loved ones in a long-term care facility.
Common behavior changes that may signal abuse
One red flag of nursing home abuse is social withdrawal. A resident who was once talkative and engaged may suddenly become quiet, anxious or disinterested during visits. Loved ones might notice the person avoiding eye contact or seeming fearful, particularly around certain staff members.
Some residents may be isolated as a way to exercise control over the resident. This may occur because staff members don’t provide them with the assistance to get to activities. They may create limits or obstacles when the resident wants to be around others. All of this is an effort to prevent the abuse from coming to light.
Another sign is if a staff member always seems to hover around during visits with the resident. This can be done to monitor conversations and intimidate the resident. All residents should have an expectation of privacy, and a staff member refusing to provide that is a major red flag.
Taking legal action is possible when nursing home abuse is present. These cases can be complex, so it may be best to work with someone who can assist the resident in upholding their rights and presenting their side of the matter.