Your loved one was always gentle, but lately, they flinch when certain staff members enter the room or lash out unexpectedly during the night. The nurse says it’s "just the dementia," but something about it doesn’t feel right.
When your gut tells you something’s off, it often is.
Cognitive decline can make it harder to detect signs of mistreatment in nursing homes and easier for abuse to go unnoticed. At Gray & White Law, our Kentucky nursing home abuse attorneys have seen how families are left questioning their own instincts when behaviors are dismissed as symptoms. You don’t have to wonder alone.
Subtle shifts in behavior, mood, or physical condition may not be solely due to dementia. Instead, they could be signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.
Dementia Can Make Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Harder to See
Dementia affects memory, language, and behavior, but it doesn't mean that all behavior issues are caused by dementia. Nursing home staff may use a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis to dismiss concerns, making it harder for families to recognize mistreatment. Families can protect their loved ones by watching for signs of abuse that may overlap with common dementia symptoms, such as:
- Sudden aggression or fear. Dementia can cause mood changes, but so can trauma. Fear of a specific staff member or agitation during their shift could signal that the mood change or agitation is due to abuse or negligence rather than dementia.
- Withdrawal or silence. A once chatty resident may become unusually quiet. Depression from abuse or neglect often mirrors the apathy seen in dementia.
- Changes in sleep or eating. Missed meals, weight loss, or worsening “sundowning” (agitation in the evening) may point to abuse or medical neglect, not just disease progression.
It’s easy to second-guess whether what you’re seeing is “normal.” However, some behaviors are red flags that warrant attention, especially when they’re new or escalate quickly.
Watch for These Warning Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Your parent, spouse, or loved one may be unable to use words to tell you what’s going on when you’re not there, but their actions may convey their message. Specifically, it’s essential to pay attention if your loved one has (a):
- Fearful reaction to one caregiver. If your loved one becomes agitated or afraid around a particular staff member, it could be a sign that the caregiver is abusing your loved one.
- Unexplained bruises or injuries. Dementia may cause balance issues, but repeated injuries with vague or shifting explanations could indicate physical abuse.
- Sudden decline in hygiene. Neglect often shows in dirty clothing, unbrushed hair, or unclean bedding.
- Resistance to being touched. Flinching, pulling away, or stiffening at touch can signal trauma, especially around intimate care routines.
- Crying, pleading, or cursing outbursts. While dementia can affect emotional regulation, these responses may also reflect abuse, especially if they occur at the same time each day or with the same caregiver.
If your loved one exhibits any of these behaviors, it’s essential to take them seriously and to find out if abuse or neglect has happened.
What Families Can Do When Something Feels Off
Even if you're unsure, it's worth trusting your instincts. Dementia makes it easier for abuse to be hidden, but not impossible to uncover.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, it’s essential to:
- Document everything. Keep a detailed log of changes, injuries, behaviors, and interactions with staff. Photos and dates can be powerful evidence.
- Visit at different times. Unannounced visits, especially during evenings or weekends, can reveal how care differs across shifts.
- Speak with other residents or families. You may discover patterns that point to systemic issues.
- Request care records. Ask for incident reports, medication logs, and nurse shift schedules. Compare them to your own observations.
- Contact a Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyer. Legal professionals can help investigate further and protect your loved one’s rights.
Watching someone you love suffer without clear answers is heartbreaking. It’s even worse when your concerns are dismissed. You don’t have to accept that behavior changes are “just part of dementia” without question.
At Gray & White Law, we’ve helped families across Kentucky uncover the truth, hold nursing homes accountable, and seek justice for their loved ones. If you believe something isn’t right, we’ll help you get the answers and the support you need.