The Most Telltale Signs of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

It’s estimated that one in six people over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse in community settings over the past year. Nursing home negligence and abuse have both been on the rise since the onset of COVID-19, with rates of abuse occurring at particularly alarming numbers in long-term care facilities. With an aging population becoming more prominent in the United States, the number of people in these types of care facilities is set to increase heavily—some organizations estimate a 75 percent increase by 2030. 

Families entrusting their loved ones to long-term care and assistance facilities must be equipped to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and negligence. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to take immediate action, and it all begins with being able to recognize the noticeable signs. 

Signs of Physical Injuries and Issues

While accidental injuries can happen in nursing homes, there are several telltale signs that the physical injuries sustained by your loved one may be the result of someone’s negligence or abuse: 

• Unexplained injuries: Most injuries should come with an explanation. If neither the caretaker nor your loved one can explain them, they may have been caused by abuse.  
• Inconsistent or conflicting explanations: If an explanation is given, take note of whether the account differs between staff members or from the one given by your loved one. 
• Injuries not consistent with known medical conditions: You know your loved one’s medical history, so pay attention to injuries that are not consistent with those they have experienced before. 
• Uncharacteristic weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration: Unless your loved one has been known to struggle with food intake, take note of weight loss or signs of malnutrition (fatigue, loose clothing and jewelry, reduced ability to perform normal tasks, etc.). The same should apply for any signs of dehydration (fatigue, not having to use the bathroom, or dry skin). 
• Visible signs of restraint: These can include rope or strap marks on the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, chest, stomach, or back. Nursing home facilities in many states (including New Jersey) are prohibited from using physical restraints on residents as a form of punishment, per the New Jersey Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights. 
• Medication misuse and worsening medical conditions: While it’s common for medical conditions to worsen as seniors age, look for signs of medication doses being missed, medications being administered improperly, medications being given too often, etc. 
• Sexual abuse: Look for signs of torn or ripped clothing, pain in the genital area, bleeding, unexplained contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. 

Signs of Emotional and Mental Abuse

Emotional and mental abuse in nursing homes can be challenging to detect because the signs are often less visible than physical abuse. While there are no physical injuries to look for, there are still very recognizable signs abuse is taking place, including: 

• Severe withdrawal and isolation when neither existed in the past 
• Excessive fear or anxiety, especially when it comes to caretakers 
• Fear of being left alone in their care facility or with a particular staff member 
• Sudden or prolonged depression or feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair 
• Frequent agitation or outbursts of anger 
• Any other unexplained behavioral change 
• Reluctance to speak about their day, what they did, or other details 

Take the time to talk to your loved one about their experience within the facility (it helps to bring them to a different location outside of the facility). Ask them about the people who care for them, if they ever become angry or verbally abusive, or if they use any demeaning language. Remember that what your loved one does not say or how they act when asked a particular question is just as important as what they do say. 

General Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Negligence

Outside of talking to and paying close attention to your loved one, there are some general signs that there may be some type of abuse taking place within a long-term care facility. These can include: 

• Poor sanitation and organization within the facility 
• Refusal to allow you to visit your loved one 
• Severe restrictions placed on visitation 
• Missing personal items or belongings 
• Unexplained changes in financial accounts owned by your loved one 
• Unexplained withdrawals or missing funds from financial accounts 
• Overcrowding within the facility or inadequate staffing 
• Unexplained deaths or injuries of other residents 
• Other families suddenly moving their loves ones out of the facility 
• Lack of necessary equipment, tools, medical devices, and other things necessary for living or proper care 
• Residents (or your loved one) frequently getting out or wandering off 

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Negligence

If you believe that your loved one is in immediate danger, contact the police right away. If you’d like to report nursing home abuse or negligence in the state of New Jersey, you can contact one of the numbers listed below:  

• New Jersey State Ombudsman: 877-582-6995 
• New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU): Office of the Attorney General 609-292-1272 
• Department of Human Services (during regular business hours): Find your county’s number here. 
• NJ Department of Health: 800-792-9770 (24-hour hotline) 

If your loved one has experienced abuse or was injured by negligent caretakers, you also have legal recourse. At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP, we specialize in nursing home abuse cases, helping our clients with swift investigation, strong representation, and decades of experience. We have secured more than $1 billion in jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to help you with your case. Get in touch with us by calling our office at 732-867-8833 or sending us a message online today.