What Are the Warning Signs That a Nursing Home Resident Is Being Mentally Abused?

 Posted on June 09, 2020 in Nursing Home Abuse

It is hard to believe that someone would ever intentionally harm a nursing home resident. Sadly, nursing home neglect and abuse happens in long-term care facilities across the country. Psychological abuse, mental abuse, and emotional abuse can be especially insidious forms of nursing home abuse. Because so many nursing home residents suffer from cognitive decline, they may be unable to report this mistreatment. Relatives of nursing home residents are often unaware of psychological abuse because it does not result in bruises or other noticeable injuries the way physical abuse typically does. However, there are several warning signs of nursing home mental abuse that you should be watchful for.

Be Vigilant for Changes in Personality and Behavior

If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, he or she may be unable to express or even remember the type of treatment he or she receives from nursing home staff. Because you cannot simply ask the resident about the quality of care he or she is receiving, you will have to look for changes in your loved one’s mood and behavior that could indicate that something is wrong. If the resident cowers, fidgets, or acts nervous when a certain staff member walks into the room, this could be an indication that the resident has suffered abuse at the hands of that staff member. Other signs of mental abuse include:

• Loss of interest or enthusiasm in things that the resident used to enjoy
• Unusual behavior such as thumb sucking or rocking back and forth
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Increased agitation and irritability
• Refusal of food and water

Speak to Staff About Your Concerns

If you have noticed changes in your loved one’s behavior or mood, speak to staff about your concerns. Staff should be fully willing to discuss these concerns with you. Staff who are offended or annoyed by questions about a resident’s health may have something to hide. Contradictory statements about a resident’s health or behavior may also be signs of neglect or abuse. If nursing home staff refuse to let you be alone with your loved one, this is a major red flag.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one seems afraid of nursing home staff or is exhibiting unusual behaviors, this could be a sign that he or she is being abused. Nursing home residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. At Schwartz Injury Law, we help families hold negligent nursing homes responsible for the harm they cause innocent residents. To learn more about nursing home injury claims, call our office at 312-535-4625. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a compassionate Chicago nursing home injury attorney today.

Source:

https://www.drugs.com/cg/psychological-abuse-of-the-elderly-for-family-members-and-carers.html