Alden of Waterford

The best way to protect a vulnerable loved one from elder abuse is to be informed as to how to pick the best facility for them and then stay abreast of the facility’s standards of care and treatment of your family member.

When picking a nursing home, do extensive research into ratings and reviews of the facilities you’re considering. Medicare publishes annual ratings based on public records and complaints online for exactly this purpose. You should also visit nursing homes multiple times to see what they are like in person.

After your relative moves in, continue to monitor the ratings and complaints published for the nursing home and make your own careful observations during regular visits. It’s not uncommon for standards of care to slip if a facility begins to struggle financially or changes management.

There are many indications of abuse and neglect that you should watch for when visiting and communicating with your loved one. Educate yourself on what these are, starting with the most obvious ones.

Look for physical signs of abuse and neglect such as unexplained injuries like fractures or bruises, untreated bedsores, or poor hygiene and an unkempt appearance. Your relative may also display behaviors indicative of abuse, such as being suddenly unusually withdrawn, violent, depressed, or confused.

Frequent trips to the hospital or instances of wandering or incorrect administration of medical treatments are also causes for concern. Also note if your relative’s room seems dirty or if personal items often go missing or are misplaced.

A senior may not be able to recognize or report mistreatment, so it is up to you to speak up if you suspect anything. If you become aware of any wrongdoing, document it and take your concerns to the facility’s management. If they do not offer satisfactory explanations or solutions to the issues you’ve identified or react defensively, it may be time to take legal action.