Are Nursing Home Patients with Alzheimer’s at Higher Risk for Neglect?

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you do everything to ensure their safety and protect their well-being. Finding the right nursing home should bring peace of mind.

This should be a place where they can receive compassionate, professional care. But sometimes, that is not the case, and they could be exposed to undignified treatment.

Are nursing home patients with Alzheimer’s at higher risk for neglect? Unfortunately, the cognitive challenges associated with this disease can make residents more vulnerable.

Alzheimer’s Residents Are More at Risk

For those with Alzheimer’s, it can affect their ability to think clearly, remember details, and make decisions. Some people may even become confused and wander around a neighborhood, putting themselves in danger.

For many families, they have to make the difficult choice to place their loved one in a facility that offers round-the-clock care.

As the disease progresses, they rely on caregivers for everyday tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, and taking medications. This puts them in a situation where caregivers take advantage of their vulnerability.

Even when neglect or other forms of abuse occur, it can be challenging for these individuals to speak out due to communication challenges. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s struggle to express themselves or recall specific incidents of mistreatment. That puts them at risk for abuse.

As a result, this can make it difficult for them to alert others when something is wrong. Many times, their concerns may be dismissed as confusion or memory loss. That means abuse or neglect can go unnoticed.

Neglect and Other Types of Abuse in a Residential Environment

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. Neglect is the most distressing. In these situations, the resident is not provided with the necessary care. Caregivers might withhold food, water, medication, or hygiene products. This can impact their health and well-being.

And since those with Alzheimer’s may not be able to speak up, they are at a higher risk of this type of abuse.

However, it is not just neglect that can happen in these places. Some other types of abuse may involve: 

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or using excessive force is never acceptable. Unfortunately, individuals with Alzheimer’s may resist care due to confusion. This can lead to rough handling by frustrated caregivers.
• Emotional abuse: Yelling, insults, threats, or belittling leaves lasting emotional scars. Since Alzheimer’s can heighten feelings of fear and confusion, this type of abuse can be especially distressing.
• Financial abuse: Exploiting a resident’s finances through theft, fraud, or coercion when someone is unable to manage their money or recognize manipulation.
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact is a crime. Alzheimer’s residents may have difficulty understanding or reporting these incidents, making them more vulnerable to this form of abuse.

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

Since individuals with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty communicating, loved ones will want to watch for signs that something might be wrong. These can include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, fear, or withdrawal
• Poor hygiene, weight loss, or dehydration
• Bedsores or untreated medical conditions
• Fearful or anxious behavior around specific caregivers
• Unexplained financial issues or changes to financial documents

As a family member, you know your loved one best. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Regular visits, open communication with caregivers, and attention to changes helps you monitor your loved one’s physical or emotional health. In turn, that can help you spot potential issues before they escalate.

Protecting Your Loved One

The good news is that there are laws in place to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. The Nursing Home Reform Act ensures that all residents have the right to receive quality care and live free from mistreatment. The Elder Justice Act also prevents elder abuse and improves how cases are reported and investigated.

If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated, you need to take action.

First, you want to start by speaking with the nursing home’s management. Make sure to document any concerns. You can also report the abuse to your state’s adult protective services agency or long-term care ombudsman.

In cases of serious abuse or neglect, taking legal action can help hold them accountable. With that, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care they deserve. At My Nursing Home Abuse Guide, we have resources available to help you find the help you need in these distressing times.