If you have a loved one that lives in a nursing home, you may feel concerned about them from time to time. You may simply hope that your loved one is feeling their best in their new living situation, or you may worry about elder abuse.
While it may not always be readily apparent if something less than desirable is happening when it comes to your loved one’s treatment, elder abuse often comes with many signs. If you feel concerned about how your loved one is, here are some things to consider.
Know what to look for
While there are many physical signs of elder abuse, there may be some situations where they are not apparent. Because of this, it can be important to also be aware of the behavioral signs of abuse. Some of these can include personality changes, moodiness, outbursts of anger and a reluctance to speak about their life or situation. It can be particularly important to look out for sudden changes, or changes that have no reasonable explanation.
Do not be afraid to ask questions
If you begin to suspect that elder abuse is taking place, it can be important to try to speak to your loved one about it. However, it is important to note that they may be unwilling to discuss it, because they may fear further mistreatment as a result of them opening up.
If you feel concerned about a loved one living in a nursing home, it can be important to learn the signs of elder abuse. The more familiar you are with what to look out for, the more empowered you will be to make decisions that can protect the ones you care about.