When you entrust a nursing home to care for your loved one, you expect compassion, safety, and professional medical attention. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect is more common than many realize — and it often goes unnoticed until serious harm has occurred.
Neglect isn’t always easy to spot, especially when residents are unable or afraid to speak up. That’s why it’s important to recognize the warning signs. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we’ve represented many families who discovered too late that something was wrong. Below are five red flags that may indicate your loved one is being neglected.
1. Unexplained Injuries or Falls
Falls happen, especially among elderly individuals — but frequent or unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts or fractures should raise concern. A well-run nursing facility is responsible for supervising residents and preventing avoidable accidents.
If your loved one reports falling or seems to be suffering from repeated injuries without clear explanations, it could be a sign that staff are not providing proper monitoring or assistance with mobility.
2. Poor Personal Hygiene
One of the most visible signs of neglect is a sudden decline in personal hygiene. Nursing home staff are responsible for helping residents with daily tasks like bathing, brushing their teeth, changing clothes and grooming.
Suppose your loved one appears unkempt, smells of body odor or urine, or wears the same clothes for multiple days. In that case, it may indicate that the facility is understaffed or not fulfilling basic caregiving responsibilities.
3. Weight Loss or Signs of Dehydration
Nutrition and hydration are critical to an elderly person’s health. Significant or sudden weight loss, dry skin, confusion or cracked lips can all be signs of malnutrition or dehydration.
Neglect in this area may occur when staff forget or fail to assist residents with eating and drinking, especially those who need help due to dementia, physical disability or illness. In more serious cases, staff may withhold food or water as punishment or due to poor oversight.
4. Changes in Mood or Behavior
Emotional withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or sudden outbursts can all be signs that your loved one is experiencing neglect — or worse. Many residents don’t feel comfortable speaking up or may be afraid of retaliation from staff.
Pay close attention to emotional cues, especially if your loved one becomes fearful of specific caregivers or expresses a desire not to return to the facility. These changes are often some of the earliest signs that something isn’t right.
5. Unsanitary Living Conditions
Nursing homes are required to maintain a clean and safe environment for residents. If you notice dirty bathrooms, unwashed linens, strong odors, pests or cluttered hallways during visits, these could be warning signs of systemic neglect.
A poorly maintained facility often reflects poor management and can directly contribute to health risks for residents.
What You Can Do
If you suspect nursing home neglect, trust your instincts. Start documenting what you see—photos, dates, medical records, and any conversations with staff or your loved one. Report your concerns to the facility administrator, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Most importantly, consult an experienced nursing home neglect attorney. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we help families hold negligent facilities accountable and fight for justice on behalf of their loved ones.
Concerned About a Nursing Home’s Care?
Call the Dinizulu Law Group today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation. Your loved one deserves safety, dignity and respect.
