Fight for the
Ones You Love

Neglect involves a lack of care or duty to an elder.

• Bedsores, sometimes referred to as "pressure sores" - These are skin injuries that can result from prolonged pressure. They are a special problem with an immobile patient, whether in a wheelchair or in a bed, who cannot or will not move frequently on his/her own.
• Malnutrition or dehydration - Nursing home residents can get malnourished when they do not absorb enough nutrients from food, either because of a lack of food or lack of the ability to eat or draw nutrition from food consumed.
• Lack of basic personal hygiene - Signs of poor hygiene include dirty clothing or bedding. Additionally, the most egregious signs of abuse may comprise of untreated dental problems and irregular bathing schedule.
• Untreated medical problems, lack of medical aids, medication errors, or missed medications - Administering incorrect medicines, incorrect dosages, or medication at incorrect intervals can cause an array of serious medical problems.
• Open Wounds - Wounds can become infected if not treated carefully. Untreated infections can progress rapidly and lead to blood disease (sepsis), shock, pulmonary arrest, and death.
• Falls - Residents can fall because of illness or frailty. Dangerous hazards around residents could also be a sign of mistreatment.
• Unclean living conditions.

Physical abuse refers to physical force that can take the form of hitting, slapping, shoving, or rough handling while moving, bathing, feeding, or administering medication.

• Unexplained or frequent bruises, burns, black eyes, broken bones, or other injuries - Staff and management should always be prepared to explain exactly what happened if a resident has bruises, wounds, sprains, broken bones, or infections. An inability to do so would be a severe red flag.
• Grip marks around the arms or neck
• Elderly restraints
• Dismissive attitude about injuries
• Appears sleepy or sedated
• Confined to a bed, chair, or room

Emotional abuse refers to use of psychological manipulation and non-physical acts to cause an elderly person pain, distress, and mental anguish. Can involve intimidation, threats, ridicule, or manipulation.

• Appears isolated, withdrawn, depressed, or non-communicative
• Dramatic swings in mood/behavior - Red flags that indicate that residents may have experienced abuse include fear of nursing home staff, agitation, or signs of depression.
• Lack of eye contact
• Confusion or disorientation
• Resident not permitted by a caregiver to speak for him- or herself

Desertion of an elderly person by a nursing home staff especially when in their professional care. This occurs when the party responsible for providing care for an elder deserts the person in a medical facility or public location, especially those who have mental impairments like Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Sexual abuse is in the form of non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly person. This could occur due to manipulation, deceit, or physical force.

• Unexplained genital bleeding
• Bruised breasts or buttocks
• Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments
• Evidence of unexplained sexually transmitted disease
• Acts upset when bathed or changed.

Financial abuse can involve staff members stealing a resident's possessions or money. It also may involve withdrawing funds from a resident's accounts without consent or having the resident make large withdrawals.

• Missing valuables or changes in finances.

Self neglect occurs when an elderly person puts his or her health and safety at risk.