Alden of Old Town East

If you are concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one in assisted living, you can minimize the risk of them suffering abuse with some precautions.

First, research reviews online for prospective facilities and homes to see what others’ experiences at them have been. Some facilities will also have ratings from Medicare or other government agencies that can tell you a lot.

Tour your favorite facilities to see for yourself if what they advertise is true. If possible, stop by on a non-tour day too to see how the residence functions when it’s not expecting guests.

After your family member is moved in, do regular welfare checks by visiting or communicating with them. Residents may not be able to recognize or report mistreatment themselves, so they rely on your support.

Educate yourself on the common signs of neglect and abuse in assisted living. There are many, but here’s a list to get you started:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises, burns, or scars
• Weight loss or malnourishment not due directly to an illness
• Frequent trips to the emergency room or doctor
• Wrong type or the wrong amount of medication administered
• Poor hygiene or unwashed clothes or hair
• Instances of wandering or elopement
• Frequently misplaced or lost personal items
• A lack of basic necessities, including utilities, water, and food
• A dirty room or bathroom
• Frequent trouble sleeping
• Unusual violent or withdrawn behavior

If you become aware of anything wrong in the treatment of your relative, don’t be afraid to say something. You can question staff in the moment about their best practices or meet with management to address your concerns. It helps to document observations and experiences, so you have all the details right.

When you speak to management, they should be willing to listen objectively and take any necessary corrective action. However, if they become dismissive or defensive or fail to fix the problem, it may be time to seek legal aid.