When families place their loved ones in a nursing home, we expect that they will be treated with respect and receive proper care. Unfortunately, abuse or neglect can still occur, and it isn’t always obvious at first. While some warning signs are well known—like unexplained bruises or sudden weight loss—others can be harder to recognize. By being aware of less obvious signals, we can protect our family members and take action quickly when something doesn’t seem right. Once you recognize signs of abuse, call our Ossining, NY nursing home abuse lawyer!
1. Sudden Withdrawal From Social Activities
Many residents enjoy participating in games, group meals, or conversations with friends. If a normally social person suddenly refuses to join in or appears unusually isolated, it could be more than just a change in mood. Withdrawal can sometimes point to mistreatment, intimidation, or feelings of fear within the facility. It’s important to ask questions and understand why the change is happening.
2. Unexplained Changes In Finances
Abuse does not always take a physical form. When trying to spot nursing home abuse, financial exploitation is often overlooked. If personal items are missing, bank account activity looks unusual, or residents speak about giving away money under pressure, these can be warning signs. Families should review accounts regularly and keep track of valuables to help identify potential problems early.
3. Lack Of Interest In Eating Or Drinking
Changes in appetite may seem related to aging or health issues, but they can also be linked to neglect or emotional harm. If meals are not served in a respectful manner, or if a resident is feeling unsafe, they may lose the desire to eat. Dehydration or malnutrition can develop quickly in older adults, so monitoring food and water intake is critical. Our attorney, Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., brings over two decades of experience, and he has overseen several cases involving abuse that’s not readily apparent.
4. Frequent Arguments With Staff
While disagreements can happen in any care setting, repeated conflicts between staff and residents may be a red flag. If a resident regularly appears upset after interactions with caregivers, it may be a sign that communication has broken down or that mistreatment is occurring. Families should pay close attention to how staff members speak to residents and how residents respond, as this can be a sure sign of nursing home abuse.
5. Decline In Personal Hygiene
A noticeable decline in bathing, grooming, or wearing clean clothes can point to neglect. Nursing homes have a responsibility to help residents maintain personal hygiene. If a loved one consistently appears unkempt, it might suggest that staff are not providing necessary assistance, which can also affect health and self-esteem.
Dealing with potential nursing home abuse can be difficult and stressful, especially if you have your suspicions that your loved one is being taken advantage of, but you’re not entirely sure. If you believe your loved one may be facing abuse or neglect, we encourage you to reach out for legal support today. Our law firm has a five star Google rating, and we’re proud to help our local community. Call us today at The Law Office of Jeffrey Weiskopf!
