If you have a loved one who is living in a nursing home, then you may think about them often. It is likely that their care matters to you.
Because of this, it can be necessary to know what to look out for when it comes to potential abuse. Knowing the signs can help you to take action if necessary.
Physical signs to know
When it comes to elder abuse, there are many physical signs to be on the lookout for. One of the more obvious ones includes bruises, particularly if they are not on an area of the body that might easily bump into something, like a shin or elbow. Scratches can be another sign of abuse, as can things like bedsores and unkempt hair and nails, which may hint at neglect.
Behavioral signs to know
Along with physical signs, there are behavioral signs to be on the lookout for, as well. Those who are experiencing abuse may begin to change how they act and may experience more mood swings. They may become more aggressive, or more withdrawn. Their moods may change more quickly than they have in the past. They may also become more secretive for no apparent reason.
If you have a loved one who is in a nursing home, you may think about them frequently. While you may not always be able to detect abuse right away, knowing the signs can enable you to make decisions that are well informed and can make it easier to protect your loved one from things like abuse and neglect.