Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

3 Tips for Families and Caregivers to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse

Tips to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing homes tend to your vulnerable loved ones. While most of these facilities deliver excellent care, some of them do not. In the event residents are abused or neglected, the results can be devastating.

Individuals are usually in nursing homes or other skilled nursing facilities because they need to be there. That is where they should receive the around-the-clock attention they require. You trust that they’re in a safe place, but how do you really know?

Vigilance is the key to preventing nursing home abuse. Not paying attention or turning a blind eye is simply unacceptable. So if you love someone who’s in care, protect that person. Here are three tips you can use to prevent nursing home abuse.

1. Know the Law and Use It

Most countries have laws prohibiting nursing home abuse and neglect. Moreover, most of them uphold enumerated rights of those in care. Those involve residents’ rights to privacy, communication, decision making, respect, adequate and appropriate care, and freedom from retribution.

U.S. states also legislate nursing home operations regarding such matters as staffing levels, staff training and licensure, hygiene, dietary requirements, and more. Licensure of facilities requires inspections and quality measures designed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Obviously, laws are not enough to protect nursing home residents. If they were, bad things wouldn’t happen to them. That’s why even if you merely suspect a loved one is being abused, you should consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer. An experienced attorney knows federal and state laws, residents’ rights, and how to investigate and document abuse.

Homes in violation can be sued in civil court for damages incurred by abused residents and their families. And if nursing home staff commit a criminal offense, they can be prosecuted for those crimes as well.

Why is this important? Because civil and criminal prosecutions remove abusers from working in care homes. Moreover, the facility itself must take steps to ensure incidents do not recur. You may not be able to save your loved one from experiencing abuse, but you might save someone else.

2. Watch for the Signs

Every time you visit your friend or family member, watch for signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Some are obvious, such as bruises, abrasions, swelling, rashes, noticeable weight loss, and uncleanliness. If the resident is bandaged, wrapped, or wearing a sling, ask why. Of course, older adults bruise more easily, their skin is fragile, and they lose their balance and fall. Nonetheless, never neglect to ask administrators about accidents, particularly if the resident has broken or dislocated bones.

A resident whose speech is slurred could be overmedicated or might have suffered an undiagnosed stroke. If there is obvious mental deterioration since your last visit, fearful behavior, or paranoia, talk to the resident’s doctor to find out why. Signs of fear or embarrassment should concern you, especially if your loved one is apprehensive when staff enter the room.

The signs of sexual abuse may be more difficult to spot. Unusual agitation or withdrawal may be signs. So are stained, torn, or bloodied underclothing or sheets. If the resident is scratching their genital or anal area or complains of pain or irritation there or on their breasts, contact the administrator at once. Request an immediate visit from the resident’s doctor.

Less obvious signs of abuse and neglect, such as dehydration or withheld medications, are more difficult to see. If your loved one suffers from dementia, getting answers from them when you ask questions may be challenging. 

Watching for signs of possible abuse is the first step. Questioning the nursing home administrator about those signs is next. Never settle for an incomplete answer, and always challenge anything that doesn’t sound reasonable. Make time to stay with your loved one until you have received direction from a state elder abuse agency or adult safeguarding coordinator.

3. Listen, Observe, and Act

Always listen to your friend or family member if they complain of abuse, bullying, or neglect by staff. Nursing homes are obligated to protect residents from harm committed by other residents as well. Fully investigate claims the resident is making until you are satisfied that they are not true. And always make sure your loved one understands that you are taking them seriously.

Care homes should always provide copies of residents’ rights and information about reporting suspected abuse to someone outside the facility. If your loved one is mentally capable, have them provide written permission for you or someone else to have access to their medical records. This will allow the outside party to review records of falls, injuries, medication administration, and other information. If your loved one isn’t capable, ask the court to appoint a conservator.

Nursing home abuse isn’t always physical or emotional. Abuse can be financial as well. Your loved one should grant the proper authority via a power of attorney to a trusted individual to monitor their finances. In cases of mental incapacity, the court-appointed conservator will have access.

Residents have rights to certain protective measures, including the installation of “granny cams.” These cameras record and store footage from the resident’s room 24/7 and can be monitored remotely. Your loved one or the conservator must provide permission, along with permission from any roommate. But such surveillance measures can be strong deterrents against abuse and neglect.

Nursing homes are obligated to investigate accusations of abuse and to report them to the proper authorities. They are also required to remove staff who pose a potential danger to residents until the allegations are disproved. If allegations are corroborated, they are to be reported to specific agencies to keep such individuals from nursing home employment in the future.

Prevention Is Everybody’s Job

The more eyes there are watching for nursing home abuse, the fewer residents who will suffer from it. Be vigilant for your loved one, but also for those who may not have anyone looking out for them.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV
Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff
Historical Events and Famous People Born on May 9
Discover the Historical Events and Famous People Born on May 9
May 9 Zodiac
What's in Your Zodiac If You Born on May 9 [Life, Career, Relationship]
Farm-to-Table Agriturismo Trips in Italy
Why Millennials Are Choosing Farm-to-Table Agriturismo Trips in Italy?
Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night

LIFESTYLE

summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?
why is my poinsettia dying
Why Is My Poinsettia Dying? Tips To Revive Your Wilting Poinsettia Plant
crypto retirement plan strategies
7 Ways Crypto Can Reshape Your Retirement Plan for the Future

Entertainment

rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
smokey robinson sexual assault allegations
Smokey Robinson Faces Sexual Assault Allegations by 4 Women
Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: First Disney Theme Park in Middle East
Netflix OpenAI Partnership
Netflix Teams Up with OpenAI to Transform Streaming Experience
Bumassburner Leak
Bumassburner Leak Incident: What You Need to Know

GAMING

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023

BUSINESS

Business Behind Game Localization
The Business Behind Game Localization: How It Works
International Employment Agencies
How international employment agencies can help you find talent in hard-to-reach markets?
Transition Your Business to Web3
How to Transition Your Business to Web3 Successfully
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments in 5 Easy Steps
credit suisse tax evasion
Credit Suisse Fined $511M for U.S. Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme

TECHNOLOGY

Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations, CWPP, and Product Security
pitch a game idea
How to Pitch a Game Idea to a Developer or Publisher?
Web3 impact on virtual reality experiences
How Web3 Is Redefining Virtual Reality and Immersive Experiences?
Smart Contracts in Web3
How Smart Contracts Are Shaping the Future of Web3?

HEALTH

Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?
Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF
The Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF with ICSI Success