Moving into a care home is a natural part of life. Whether it is for a parent or another close relative, elderly care sometimes requires a higher degree of input to ensure a good quality of life, and a nursing home or assisted living facility is the most logical step. However, there have been cases of abuse amongst these establishments so it is important to stay vigilant and mindful of any warning signs that may come along. Here are five clear signs that your senior loved one may be a victim of abuse.
They Become Withdrawn
One of the biggest ways to recognize the signs of elder abuse is to take note if your loved one suddenly becomes withdrawn. Withdrawing is a protective measure to disassociate from the abuse in question. There may be feelings of shame, confusion, and helplessness which are all common sentiments among abuse victims. If your loved one has stopped being as chatty, rejects social engagement, seems depressed or even anxious, and avoids making eye contact or their usual routine, this is worth exploring further.
They Have New, Unexplained Markings
Marks on the body are a big red flag, especially when there is no explanation offered. These could be anything from bruising to bleeding, and even broken bones or bedsores. These are clear signs that something is amiss, and you should absolutely investigate what is happening.
Changes In Their Physical Appearance
Abuse can affect every single part of the psyche. One of these factors concerns eating and weight management. While it is essential that seniors maintain a healthy weight and diet, if they are struggling with an abusive carer they may start to avoid mealtimes as a way to cope with their reality. The mind goes to interesting places when it is trying to survive, and sometimes there is no space to feel hungry. So, if you notice any weight loss that is unexplained, don’t ignore it!
Anxiety Around Specific Staff Members
Usually, it is one member of staff perpetrating the abuse. Your loved one is bound to be uncomfortable in their presence. There will be noticeable signs of distress even if they are subtle as their body physically and mentally responds to this threat in their environment. So, keep an eye on staff interactions, and flag anything that seems out of the ordinary.
They Aren’t Sleeping
Another side effect of abusive interactions is insomnia. Insomnia is essentially a sleep disorder that means the patient suffering struggles to both fall and stay asleep. Insomnia is not ideal because it can impact every other thing in your life. It causes mood swings, irritability, vulnerability to infection, and general weakness amongst other things. If insomnia is happening, it needs a solution. If your loved one is able to talk to you about what’s going on, that’s great, but it might be up to you to dig a little deeper to get to the bottom of things.
Suspecting that your loved one is suffering from abuse in their nursing home is not an easy thing to come to terms with. However, it is the time for action above all else.
