If you have a loved one in a retirement or assisted living situation, chances are more than good that you have given the topic of nursing home abuse some serious thought. After all, no amount of research can silence your concerns about the care your loved one will be getting from an organization and its staff.

Would you know nursing abuse in New Jersey if you saw it? While some indicators of abuse are obvious, many are subtle. Here are some warning signs to help you spot when potential abuse is happening.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse comes in many forms. Almost 30% of all nursing home abuse claims allege physical abuse. The signs can vary from extreme to subtle.

Direct, physical evidence of abuse includes:

• Broken bones, cuts, and abrasions that have no rational explanation
• Bruising, scars, or welts
• Evidence of restraints on the arms and legs

Indirect evidence of abuse includes:

• Damaged personal effects such as eyeglasses
• Refusal of the caregiver to leave you alone with your loved one

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse will usually significantly affect the behavior of the victim. Symptoms and signs of emotional abuse include:

• Mannerisms resembling dementia, like rocking, mumbling, or sucking one’s thumb
• Fear of talking around a caregiver
• Threatening or belittling behavior by the caregiver
• Lashing out by the victim

Sexual Abuse

Sadly, some of the most vulnerable to nursing abuse in New Jersey are most at risk of sexual abuse, including those with dementia and similar conditions. 

There are multiple signs of sexual abuse that affect the victim directly, as well as evidenced in their clothing or belongings.

A victim of sexual abuse might have:

• STDs and genital infections
• Genital or breast bruising
• Vaginal or anal bleeding that is not related to a medical issue

In addition, there could be:

• Stained or torn undergarments
• Bloody undergarments
• Inappropriate sexual materials or objects

Financial Abuse

Seniors are often a target of financial exploitation. With that in mind, it’s important to look out for any attempt to manipulate your loved one into parting with their precious belongings. 

If you see any of the following, it’s essential to investigate further:

• A reduction in financial well-being or ability to cover bills
• Unexplained and unplanned withdrawals from your loved one’s bank account
• Missing cash
• Unusual purchases or changes in spending patterns

Abuse does not have to be direct theft. Your loved one could be being taken advantage of if there are:

• Alterations in financial documents, wills, or power of attorney
• “Mystery” signatures or forged signatures on documents
• Adding signatories to bank and credit card accounts

If any of these signs are evident, it’s best to have all financial actions or activities examined to ensure everything is above board. Should the caregiver not be forthcoming, your next step might be to reach out to an attorney or law enforcement.

Negligence

Negligence on the part of a caregiver can be intentional or unintentional. Regardless, your loved one will suffer the results of it.

Some of the clearest signs of negligence will be found in their living conditions:

• Unsafe environment, including lack of heat or air conditioning
• Fire hazards or lack of necessities like running water, hot water, etc.
• Dirty clothes, bedding, living space
• Visible evidence of pests or filthy living conditions

You might also notice:

• Inappropriate clothing for weather conditions
• Bedsores or other neglect-related health issues
• Unexplained loss of weight or appearance of bruises, cuts, etc.
• Signs of malnourishment

Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare fraud often happens with the billing of services or services rendered (or not rendered).

Fraud involving billing includes:

• Duplicate billing for goods or services
• Unexplained or unpaid bills
• Insufficient healthcare coverage when your loved one is covered
• Unexplained draining of Health Savings Accounts and other medical accounts
• Bills for services your loved one does not need or are not appropriate

If healthcare fraud is taking place, it may directly impact how your loved one is being cared for:

• Their medications or medication amounts not prescribed or overprescribed
• Living conditions that show evidence of neglect or poor maintenance
• Staff that do not follow basic healthcare practices or lack training
• Unexplained services that you are unaware your loved one received or you did not order

How To Address Fraud

Your loved one deserves to live their life being cared for in a safe and supportive environment. To help ensure that, stay alert for signs of abuse when you visit, and always listen to your loved one if they make allegations.

If you fear your loved one is in danger of nursing abuse in New Jersey, bringing in organizational administrators and, if needed, law enforcement might be necessary. Document the signs and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Don’t wait to act if your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in their care facility. Our NJ nursing home abuse attorneys can explain your legal options, investigate your case, and help you file a claim. Don’t let injustices against your loved ones continue.

Contact us now for a free consultation.