No matter the circumstances, elder abuse is a crime. However, the U.S. Government Accounting Office has said that incidents of nursing home abuse are rarely reported to the police. Why does this continue to happen?

It happens because patients in nursing homes are often reluctant to complain. They are either afraid of retaliation by the staff of the nursing home or they fear that the members of their own family might question their mental abilities. They may also think that if they complained then whatever injuries they sustained would be attributed to an accidental cause.

Since nursing home abuse is all too common, if you have a relative in a nursing home you should be aware of the signs of abuse. Although they do not absolutely indicate abuse they may help you to protect your loved ones from any further harm. If you see any possible sign of elder abuse you should not hesitate to immediately report the suspected abuse.

Physical Abuse

Some indications of elder abuse involve physical injuries. If you see cuts, unexplained bruises, burns or abrasions your loved one may have been abused. Also keep your eye out for any unexplained sprains or broken bones.

Emotional Abuse

Be aware of any behavioral or emotional changes your loved one may exhibit. For example, the patient may frequently complain about being treated improperly.

Here are some additional symptoms to look for:

- Withdrawal

- Apathy

- Agitation

- Anxiety or fear

- Crying frequently

In addition, if there appears to be a strained relationship between the nursing home staff and the patient it might have been caused by emotional abuse.

Neglect

There are a number of tell-tale signs of nursing home neglect. These include:

- Poor hygiene

- Dehydration

- Unusual loss of weight

- Malnourishment

- Soiled bedding

- Unsanitary living conditions

- Pressure marks

- Medical needs that remain unattended

- Unsafe or hazardous living conditions

Financial Discrepancies

It is important that you are aware of everything that relates to your loved one's finances and possessions. Keep on the lookout for any unexplained financial discrepancy. Such discrepancies include:

- Suspicious financial transactions

- Personal possessions that are "lost"

- Missing money

- Bills that are not paid, even though funds are available

- Sudden transfer(s) of assets

The Nursing Home Reform Act was passed in 1987. It guarantees certain freedoms and rights to patients in nursing homes. If you or a member of your family has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect while being a patient in a nursing home then you should contact the proper authorities in order to prevent any further abuse.