If your loved one is in a nursing home, you deserve assurance that they receive the best possible care and necessary medical treatment. If this is indeed the case, you will see clear signs that your loved one is well taken care of.
However, you also have to be aware of signs of mistreatment, especially those invisible ones. Some emotional and psychological symptoms may indicate neglect or abuse. When searching for indicators of abuse, look for signs that suddenly appear or become more apparent over time.
Behavioral signs
After going through abuse or neglect, a patient can become withdrawn. They might keep to themselves and socialize less. A patient who used to love talking and accepting visits from relatives may suddenly be difficult to speak to.
In other cases, abused patients may become irrationally upset or angry in response to the neglect, making them more difficult to care for.
Additionally, unnatural behavior, such as rocking back and forth, can also be a response to trauma.
Emotional indicators
Watch out for signs of depression or anxiety. Patients who experience abuse may eventually fall into depression. This may be apparent in certain situations, such as when they no longer show interest in the hobbies they used to love. Moreover, they may show signs of sadness or anxiety, no matter the situation. Some can also show signs of fear of their caregivers.
If your loved one’s behavior or mood suddenly changes, you should always follow up with concern. While some illnesses do have psychological symptoms, stay on the side of caution. If you believe your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, consulting with a competent legal team can help you find the appropriate course of action to address the abuse.