Assisted living abuse can go undetected for a long time before it is discovered. Victims are often too ashamed, afraid or unable to report it for some reason, such as disability, frailty or no phone access. Family members who only occasionally visit may have no idea the abuse is occurring. Signs of assisted living abuse include:
- Behavioral changes, depression or withdrawal
- Fearful or intimated behavior
- Appearance of bed sores or pressure sores
- Unexplained bruises or other injuries
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decline in health or mental capacity
- Poor hygiene
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Excessive use of chemical or physical restraints
One way to prevent assisted living abuse is by regularly visiting your elderly parent to ensure staff is treating him or her properly. If you suspect abuse, immediately file a complaint with the facility. If the the abuse was extreme, remove your loved one from the facility and seek treatment for any physical or psychological harm resulting from assisted living abuse.
Your next move is to contact your state’s long-term care obudsman. He or she will investigate your allegations of assisted living abuse and may also contact the adult protective services agency on the victim’s behalf. If not, you should do so. Lastly, consult an elder law attorney to discuss your options for seeking remedy for the pain and suffering your loved one(s) endured at the hands of people whose job it is to protect and take proper care of those who cannot fend for themselves.
