By Ela Matters Staff 
It’s hard to believe that someone you care about could be abused in a place that’s supposed to care for them. But abuse in nursing homes does happen, and there are often early signs of it. Families might not notice these signs, especially if they think the changes are just part of getting older. To stop abuse before it gets worse, it’s important to spot the early signs.
When families have suspicions, they often ask professionals to help them investigate. Experienced nursing home abuse lawyers from TopDog Law know what signs to look for. They help families figure out what to do legally if they think someone is abusing them. If you see these changes in your loved one’s condition, it may be time to act.
Unexplained Injuries
Usually, the first sign that someone has been abused is a physical injury. Some of these include cuts, scrapes, broken bones, and even burns. If there isn’t a clear explanation, it should make you suspicious.
You might see cuts or welts, mostly on the wrists and legs. These could be signs of holding someone down or rough handling. Bedsores, especially deep ones, are another sign of poor care.
Sudden Emotional Changes
Abuse doesn’t always leave marks on the body. Emotional changes can also show that someone is hurting. A resident who used to enjoy being with other people may now seem scared or distant.
You might see them flinch when staff come close. They might stutter, rock back and forth, or act like they’re confused. These behaviors could mean they’re scared or being emotionally mistreated.
Poor Hygiene and Living Conditions
Dirty places and poor hygiene can be signs of neglect. At the very least, every nursing home should have clean rooms and regular care. If someone you care about is unkempt, that’s a red flag.
Look for soiled clothes or blankets. Another sign is if the room smells bad or looks dirty. Bathing and grooming should be done often.
Weight Loss or Dehydration
Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration are serious. This could mean that they aren’t getting enough water or food. This form of neglect is very dangerous to your loved one’s health.
Weakness, dry lips, or sunken eyes could be signs of trouble. Not getting enough food can cause other health issues. If these changes appear, you should always ask workers about them.
Fear of Caregivers
Watch out for how your loved one acts around certain staff. Take notice if they act scared or worried around someone. They might not want to talk or look you in the eye.
Residents will sometimes not say what’s wrong because they are afraid. But their body language might say everything. Keep an eye on how they act when you visit.
Financial Red Flags
It’s harder to spot financial abuse, but it’s just as bad. Watch for sudden changes in money or documents. Unexplained withdrawals or changes to wills could be signs.
Your loved one might not know what’s going on. Sometimes, people trick them into signing things. Pay attention to statements and bills.
Staff Refusing Alone Time
You should ask the staff questions if they won’t let you be alone with your loved one. This could be a way to hide abuse. You should always have private time.
Staff shouldn’t try to avoid family involvement; they should encourage it. If they seem nervous when you visit, that’s not normal. Transparency is key to good care.
Repeated Falls or Injuries
Falls do happen, but frequent falls are not normal. They may show that the staff aren’t helping enough. When someone falls and breaks a bone or gets a bruise, it should always be looked into.
Find out what caused the fall and if it could have been avoided. A safe environment should reduce the risk. Too many accidents mean something is wrong.