Nursing homes should be places where our loved ones feel safe, respected, and cared for. However, nursing home abuse or neglect—usually manifested as disrespectful or unprofessional behavior—can negatively impact residents’ well-being.
This type of behavior may come from staff or other residents and, while not always immediately noticeable, can have serious emotional and psychological consequences if left unaddressed.
No matter how much research you do beforehand, conditions at an assisted care facility can change over time. What once seemed like the perfect fit for your loved one may deteriorate due to mismanagement or failure to meet updated care standards.
Recognizing these signs early allows families to intervene and address potential issues before they escalate into more severe problems, such as neglect or abuse. But how can you recognize when abuse or negligence occurs in a nursing home? More importantly, what early warning signs should you look for to prevent harm to your loved ones?
Our nursing home abuse lawyers the law firm Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs in Aiken, South Carolina, aims to educate families about common signs of incivility in nursing homes and provide actionable steps to respond effectively.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Incivility, abuse, and/or neglect in nursing homes or nursing home abuse refers to verbal, non-verbal, or behavioral disrespect that undermines a resident’s dignity or sense of safety. Nursing home abuse or neglect creates a toxic environment that negatively affects residents’ mental and emotional health.
Examples of Abuse or Neglect:
- Dismissive attitudes toward residents’ needs or concerns.
- Mocking or belittling residents, often in subtle ways.
- Ignoring or excluding residents from conversations or activities.
South Carolina has laws in place to protect nursing home residents and those in care facilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The South Carolina Omnibus Adult Protection Act ensures that vulnerable adults have the right to safe, respectful, and dignified care.
Facilities are required to meet strict standards of care, report suspected abuse, and provide adequate staffing to prevent neglect. Additionally, residents have the right to file complaints or take legal action if their rights are violated. These laws aim to hold care facilities accountable and safeguard the well-being of residents.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing common signs of nursing home abuse is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones in long-term care facilities.
Behavioral Changes in Residents
Pay attention to changes in your loved one’s mood or social behavior. Common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Withdrawal from social activities or family visits.
- Increased anxiety, fearfulness, or depression.
- Reluctance to interact with specific staff members or residents.
Staff Behavior Toward Residents
Certain staff behaviors can indicate abuse or incivility, such as:
- Eye-rolling, sighing, or displaying impatience when assisting residents.
- Ignoring calls for help or unnecessarily delaying responses.
- Using dismissive, sarcastic, or condescending tones when addressing residents.
Lack of Attention to Resident Needs
Neglectful behavior or inattentiveness often accompanies abuse. Warning signs include:
- Unexplained delays in providing care or addressing residents’ requests.
- Poor hygiene or failure to assist with personal grooming.
- Overlooking dietary preferences or failing to meet medical requirements.
Observations During Visits
Your visits can offer critical insight. Be alert for:
- Witnessing disrespectful interactions between staff and residents.
- Staff avoid eye contact or become overly defensive when you ask questions.
- Noticing signs of discomfort or unease in your loved one when certain staff members are present.
There are also certain red flags that families who are unable to visit their loved one regularly should not ignore, as they often merit further investigation:
Injuries in Hidden Areas
Privacy and dignity are essential for everyone, and older adults may feel uncomfortable with visitors—even close relatives—examining their bodies. However, neglect or injuries are frequently concealed by clothing or bedding. Whenever possible, take note of less visible body parts during visits to ensure there are no signs of harm.
Unusual Odors
It’s a common misconception that unpleasant smells are a normal part of aging—they’re not. Proper hygiene and care prevent such issues. Bad odors in a resident’s room, unwashed bedding, or poor oral hygiene reflected in bad breath could indicate neglect.
Frequent Staff Turnover
The demanding nature of caregiving in long-term care settings can lead to staff burnout. Unfortunately, research suggests burnout and job dissatisfaction among caregivers are often linked to instances of abuse or neglect. High staff turnover rates might reflect underlying workplace issues that increase the risk of abuse or neglect toward residents.
Emotional and Physical Impact of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect that your loved one could be at risk of experiencing neglect, abuse, or any other form of nursing home incivility, it’s important to understand the emotional and physical impact of this abuse from such facilities.
Residents subjected to nursing home abuse may experience:
- Feelings of loneliness, sadness, or low self-worth along with heightened anxiety or depression, which make them less likely to engage socially or communicate their needs.
- Stress from abuse or neglect can lead to or worsen health problems, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues. It can also lead to poor management of chronic conditions due to emotional strain.
A disrespectful environment will diminish the residents’ overall satisfaction and enjoyment of daily life, robbing them of a sense of dignity and security.
How Families Can Identify Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you believe a loved one is suffering from abuse and/or neglect in a nursing home, there are several things you can do to pursue justice for them.
Talk to Your Loved One
Encourage open and honest communication. Ask them about their feelings and whether they’ve noticed anything upsetting or unusual.
Document Incidents
Keep detailed records of any observed incidents, noting dates, times, and the specifics of the behavior or issue.
Speak with Management
Report your concerns to the nursing home’s administrators or managers. Request a clear plan of action to address the issue.
File a Complaint
If problems persist despite reporting, file a formal complaint with state regulatory agencies or advocacy organizations focused on elder care.
Seek Legal Guidance
If nursing home abuse or neglect results in harm or severe emotional distress, consulting a personal injury lawyer may be necessary to explore legal options. An experienced attorney can help you protect your loved one’s rights and ensure appropriate accountability. Contact JJWLS in Aiken, SC today to talk to a personal injury lawyer.
Talk to an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer at JJWLS
Nursing homes and their staff have an obligation to care for all residents and find ways to prevent incivilities and nursing home injuries. While some cases are accidental, following proper protocols can help to prevent them.
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is critical to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of your loved one. Staying vigilant and addressing any concerns early can go a long way in helping families create a more respectful and supportive environment for their loved ones.
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or mistreatment, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs at (803) 649-5338 to discuss your concerns and explore your options for seeking justice, and ensuring their safety and quality of life.
