When people think of nursing home abuse, they often picture bruises, bedsores, or physical injuries. And yes, those are serious signs. But abuse and neglect don’t always look like that. A recent study from the National Institutes of Health found that 44% of nursing home residents reported being abused. 95% said they were either neglected or saw someone else being neglected. That’s a serious problem, and it often goes unnoticed.
What’s even more troubling is that most cases aren’t reported. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is ever brought to the attention of authorities. That means families may never know what’s really happening behind closed doors.
If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one or feel like something isn’t right, don’t brush it off. Reach out to our California elder abuse attorneys at Arshakyan Law Firm to explore your legal options.
Sudden Withdrawal or Unusual Silence
You know your loved one better than anyone. So when they stop talking as much or their tone feels different, you notice. Maybe they’re less chatty than usual. Maybe they stop making eye contact. Or maybe they just seem emotionally flat, like something’s missing. This kind of withdrawal is often chalked up to age-related conditions like dementia or depression. But that’s not always the full story. Emotional abuse, verbal intimidation, or even the fear of retaliation can push a resident into silence.
In many cases, a resident may become quieter because they’ve been yelled at, mocked, or belittled by staff. And they may be too scared to say anything about it. Sometimes, they’re told not to talk. Or they may feel ashamed or think no one will believe them. If your loved one used to enjoy your visits but now avoids conversation, or seems anxious or tense around certain caregivers, it’s worth digging deeper.
Overmedication or Sedation
Medication is supposed to help patients, not silence them. But in some nursing homes, staff use prescription drugs to keep residents subdued. It’s called chemical restraint, and it’s a form of abuse.
This doesn’t mean every dose of medication is wrong. But when your loved one suddenly seems excessively drowsy, struggles to stay awake, or appears confused when they were previously alert, that’s a sign worth paying attention to.
Overmedication is sometimes used by overworked or negligent staff to make it easier to manage residents. Instead of dealing with someone who’s agitated, they medicate them into silence.
Worse, this kind of abuse can lead to serious health problems. Falls, choking, and even early death are all risks when someone is medicated improperly. And if a nursing home is doing this without informing the family or the attending physician, it’s illegal and needs your attention. A nursing home abuse attorney can help obtain medical records, identify any irregularities in prescriptions, and build a case against those responsible for this form of mistreatment.
Staff Avoiding Questions or Rushing Conversations
You shouldn’t have to chase down answers about your loved one’s care. If the nursing home staff seems vague, defensive, or constantly too busy to talk, that’s a warning sign. Maybe you ask how your parent got a bruise, and you’re told, “They must’ve bumped into something.” But no one knows when or where. Or maybe you want to visit at an odd hour and you’re discouraged, or worse, turned away. Or perhaps your loved one suddenly wants to talk privately, but the staff won’t leave the room.
These are not normal situations. Nursing home staff should be open, transparent, and communicative. If they’re avoiding questions, rushing you off the phone, or only giving vague updates, they might be hiding something.
This kind of behavior is a part of a broader pattern of cover-up. And families who are unfamiliar with their rights may be misled or manipulated into accepting surface-level explanations. An attorney can request facility logs and surveillance footage, and demand honest answers that families deserve.
Poor Hygiene or Unexplained Weight Loss
It’s easy to assume that personal care gets harder with age. But there’s a difference between needing help and being neglected. If your loved one is frequently wearing dirty clothes, smells of urine or feces, or seems to have gone days without a bath, something’s wrong. Similarly, unexplained weight loss isn’t just a medical issue - it might point to missed meals, ignored dietary needs, or outright neglect.
Some nursing homes are understaffed. Others may simply not care. In either case, residents are the ones who suffer. When basic hygiene and nutrition are ignored, it can lead to infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and severe health problems.
Families are often told that a resident is refusing food or not cooperating. But that’s not always the case. If your loved one is losing weight quickly or their appearance has changed drastically, those explanations may not add up. Don’t accept excuses if the care doesn’t look right. Assess the situation immediately.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Abuse?
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
- Document everything: Write down what you see, including dates, times, and any specific incidents or behaviors.
- Take photos if possible: Visual evidence like bruises, unsanitary conditions, or poor hygiene can be useful later.
- Keep track of conversations: Note who you spoke with, what they said, and any inconsistencies in their explanations.
- Do not rely solely on the nursing home’s version of events: Avoid accepting vague or dismissive responses.
- Limit direct confrontation with staff: Focus on gathering facts and speaking with an attorney instead of arguing with the facility.
Take Legal Action with a California Elder Abuse Attorney by Your Side
At Arshakyan Law Firm, we have helped thousands of families across California who are facing the stress and uncertainty of nursing home abuse. Abuse and neglect are never your fault, but taking action now can protect your loved one and hold the facility accountable.
We take the time to review medical records, facility logs, and witness accounts. Our team digs deeper, asks tough questions, and builds strong cases with care. If the nursing home refuses to cooperate, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Call us at (818) 650-9985 or share your case details online. We'll walk you through your options, without pressure or obligation.