If your loved one experiences neglect or abuse at a group home, the signs of poor treatment may not be immediately obvious. While you might notice bumps, bruises or injuries, some abuse red flags are more difficult to detect.
Know the subtle signs of nursing home neglect and abuse if you have a family member who lives in a long-term care setting.
Anxiety
You may notice signs of psychological stress if your family member experiences abuse. He or she may be fearful, on edge or withdraw from group activities. While some anxiety is normal during the transition from independent living to a nursing home, persistent or severe struggles may indicate an underlying abuse situation.
Confusion and fatigue
While care staff may attribute these symptoms to aging or cognitive decline, they can also occur when facilities overmedicate senior patients. If your loved one always seems to be sleeping, vacant or sitting idly when you visit, he or she may be experiencing this form of neglect. Unexplained weight loss is another telltale sign of overmedication.
Chronic dehydration
Your family member will develop signs of chronic dehydration if he or she suffers neglect in a nursing home setting. Be aware of dry skin, extreme thirst, sunken eyes and fatigue. Left untreated, dehydration can result in serious illness or death, especially for an individual who is already medically fragile.
In Ohio, you can file a complaint about nursing home neglect and abuse with the Department of Health. You can also file a medical malpractice lawsuit if your loved one experienced a serious injury or illness because of poor treatment in a nursing home.