·        Is there injury?

·        How is the resident being cared for?

·        Is the resident behaving strangely?

Is there injury? You must question every mark on your loved one’s body. A good indication the resident is suffering from abuse is if there are injuries such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, and/or burns that cannot be explained by the employees. Many times the elderly resident will be too embarrassed or ashamed to tell their relative that they have endured such abuse; therefore, it is important to question how the physical injury came about. Another sign that should raise concern is if the caretaker will not let you visit with your relative alone. This could be a good indication that the caretaker is fearful of your loved one commenting about the abuse.

How is the resident being cared for? It is very important to question if your loved on is being properly fed and given adequate amounts of water everyday. Many nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition, a cause of bedsores, and dehydration. Always ask for meal schedules and plans. Another indication that the resident is not being properly cared for is if the resident doesn’t get the proper help with hygiene. When you visit your loved one, check for soiled sheets, this could be another indication that your loved on is not getting the proper care.

Is the resident behaving strangely? When you visit your loved one, is he or she anxious, agitated, withdrawn, or fearful? These are all indications that there may be potential abuse occurring. When a nursing home resident is being abused, many times they will become introverted due to shame or embarrassment or they will become angry and lash out. Possible behaviors include the following:

·        Avoiding eye contact or rapid eye movement

·        Sitting as far as possible from the caregiver

·        Cringing or being easily startled as if to be hit

·        Not speaking or allowing the caregiver to speak for them

Following the above as guidelines to detecting nursing home abuse can save your loved one’s life. All too many times abuse occurs and is unreported. As the relative of the resident, it is your responsibility to detect abuse and report it to the proper adult protective services agencies.