California residents like you trust nursing homes to take care of your loved ones. After all, it is their job to provide this service. So what do you do when they do not have your best interest in mind? What do you do if they are abusing your loved one and other residents? Today we will look at some potential signs of abuse so you notice red flags.
Many elders react to abuse in a different way than younger people. This is particularly true for individuals who have memory or cognitive problems. Unfortunately, these same problems may be why abusers target them. Abusers know that these victims will not be able to express themselves well. They feel “safe”, like no one will catch them. It is important for you to keep an eye out for non-verbal cues that something is wrong.
For example, does your loved one begin to behave in an agitated way any time a worker comes into the room? This may be a sign of an abusive relationship. Other examples include:
- An increase in the frequency or intensity of nervous tics
- Depressive or anxious behaviors
- Avoidance of social activities
- A decrease in appetite
- General agitation and lashing out at others
Facing the possibility of elder abuse in your chosen nursing home is tough. Once you notice red flags, it is important to follow up on them. You can take a look at our web page on nursing home abuse here. Learn more about signs of abuse. You can also learn what to do if you believe this is what is happening in your home.
