If you suspect that the older person may be neglected or abused by their caretaker when you’re not around, it is important to gather whatever intel you can during your next visit. If your loved one is able to coherently hold a conversation, you should ask them questions about the condition of treatment when their caretaker is not in the room. If they are unable to speak, you can look for physical signs on their body and in their room.

• Physical abuse – Inflicting physical pain on an older adult may be a way to exert power or express frustration through beating, slapping, or pushing. Look for personal injuries like bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, cuts, or burns when visiting the elderly. These may be minor injuries or injuries that are severe enough for medical attention.
• Emotional abuse – An older adult who is suffering emotional or mental abuse may withdraw from normal activities and relationships. Pay attention to sudden and unexplained changes in alertness and mood swings, as well as unusual bouts of depression. Try to pay close attention to the conversational dynamic between the elder and their caretaker – do they bicker? Does the caretaker seem condescending?
• Financial abuse – Someone may be stealing or mismanaging the elder’s life savings. Look for sudden changes to their accounts, especially transactions that don’t make sense based on the elder’s lifestyle and living situation.
• Neglect – An elder with bedsores, poor hygiene, and/or unusual weight loss may not be receiving necessities like food, water, baths and exercise.

You should also investigate the environment the elder is living in for physical signs as well as emotional signs of abuse. If their room is dirty, unkempt or poorly maintained (dead plants, closed blinds, etc.), then it’s possible the same amount of effort is being put toward their care.

Additionally, pay attention to the social environment. If the caretaker is expressing a lack of empathy or attitude towards their job, then it is possible that they may be abusing their patients. If you are receiving conflicting stories of incidents from the caretaker and the patient, then that should also be a red flag. Social isolation and not being given the opportunity to speak to you alone should also be looked at as warning signs of elder abuse.

If you see any of these signs, it may be time to call a lawyer who is well-versed in handling cases regarding nursing home neglect.