Most of the time, a family member will not actually witness the abuse or neglect, so the only way they notice it is by recognizing the signs of abuse or neglect. These include:
- Bedsores, also called decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers
- Falls with injuries and unexplained injuries
- Rapid weight loss or malnutrition
- Cracked lips or dehydration
- Unsanitary conditions
- Inadequate staffing or poor quality of staff
- Overmedicating patient
- Sudden changes in patient behavior or prognosis
- Signs of sexual abuse, venereal diseases, or genital infections
- Staff refusing or delaying visits by family to see resident
- A transfer to hospital for infection, wound care, or malnutrition
- A transfer to wound care clinic for unexplained wounds
- Immediate unexplained death.
