Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Elder abuse refers to any intentional harm or neglect of an older adult. This can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. It can occur in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or in the older adult’s own home.

Unfortunately, elder abuse in nursing homes is not uncommon. A study by the National Center on Elder Abuse found that up to 44% of nursing home residents reported being abused, and up to 95% reported being neglected or witnessing neglect.

Signs of elder abuse in nursing homes can include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, social withdrawal, and changes in behavior. It’s important to be vigilant and report any concerns to the nursing home staff or authorities.

There are several steps you can take to protect your loved one from elder abuse in nursing homes. These include visiting regularly and at different times of day, talking to your loved one and their caregivers about any concerns, reviewing nursing home policies and procedures, and reporting any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it’s important to take action. First, report your concerns to the nursing home staff or administrator. If you don’t see any improvement, or if the abuse is severe, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or law enforcement. You may also want to consider contacting an attorney who specializes in elder law.

There are several resources available to help prevent elder abuse in nursing homes. These include the National Center on Elder Abuse, the Administration on Aging, and the National Council on Aging. You can also contact your state’s ombudsman program, which advocates for and protects the rights of nursing home residents.