Friends and family often feel guilty if their loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse. Although it is not always obvious at first, there may be signs that abuse is occurring. Consider removing your parent from a nursing home facility or requesting intervention from management if you notice these four warning signs:

The Caretaker Acts Hostile When Questioned

Hostility can be a sign of guilt, especially if you are questioning an individual about something as vital as caring for an elderly person. If you suspect the caretaker is abusive or negligent toward your parent, bring your questions and concerns to management. They should confront the issue immediately. Follow up with management to ensure the issue is addressed and your parent is safe.

The Caretaker Treats the Resident Like a Child

If the nursing home caretakers are treating your parent like a child, it may be a sign of disrespect, or they are not taking their care seriously. Nursing home caretakers should show your parents respect through every action and conversation, as they would with other adults.

The Caretaker Discourages 1-on-1 Conversation

If a caretaker is mistreating your parent, they may be paranoid that your parent will confide in you about the happenings at their nursing home. If they discourage one-on-one conversation or refuse to leave the room while you are there, that is a sign that should not be ignored. You should be able to talk to your parent without the presence of nursing home caretakers.

The Caretaker is Stressed or Tired

A caretaker’s emotional, mental, and physical health will seep into how well he or she cares for your elderly parent. If they do not prioritize their own health, their stress or overwhelm will affect their ability to do their job well. If you notice that the caretakers at your parent’s nursing home are constantly tired or stressed, we encourage you to bring this to the management’s attention.

Clark, Smith & Sizemore are Your Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys

If you suspect nursing home negligence, we encourage you to take immediate steps to remove your loved one from the situation. Your loved one’s safety is the first priority. After she is safe, talk to a nursing home negligence attorney about how to handle this legal matter. By pursuing a lawsuit, you are potentially safeguarding many other residents in the future! Call us today if you have questions: 478-254-5040