When Caring Turns to Concern: How to Trust Your Instincts About a Loved One’s Well-Being

Putting your family member into a care home is not an easy decision to make. In fact, it can be one of the toughest decisions when all you really want to do is be there for them yourself.

However, not everyone can give that level of care when someone needs round-the-clock support. With that being said, it’s essential to be wary of your loved one in a care home environment and when there’s cause for concern.

The quiet red flags that can signal something deeper

What are some of the quiet red flags that are worth being aware of and that can signal something deeper and darker?

Behavioral and emotional changes

A noticeable loss in interest and hobbies that they had before going into a home is likely to be something that you want to be aware of. Social interactions or family visits can also be a significant indicator that needs to be considered.

Your loved one may choose to stay in their room more often or appear more subdued and quiet.

Fear or apprehension of the staff

While not all patients in care will get on with all of the staff at the facility and vice versa, the fear or apprehension of staff could be a sign that something serious is going on. This is a major red flag and one that should definitely be investigated immediately.

Unexplained or frequent injuries

Any bruises, cuts, fractures, or other injuries that have been explained away or don’t seem to match the description of the accident can also be a red flag. It can be difficult in some cases where falls are more likely in the elderly or self-injury may occur, but there’s often a gut feeling when a suspected injury doesn’t sound right.

Poor personal hygiene

A decline in their personal grooming, especially if they were once proactive with their self-care and visual appearance, is often a telling sign that they might not be receiving the best care or assistance in the home or care facility.

Sudden weight loss or poor nutrition 

While weight loss can be a part of aging, and for some, who are nearing the end of their life, sudden weight loss or poor nutrition can also be a sign that something is wrong. Not being provided adequate food or assistance with eating is likely to cause this sudden weight loss to occur. 

Poor living conditions

When the environment of the care facility is unclean or unhygienic, it can indicate overall neglect, and this is something you should report straight away.

That, coupled with a discouragement or limitation on family visits or involvement, can also be an indicator that the facility is trying to hide poor practices.

Why it’s okay to question caregivers and facilities 

So, when is the best time to step in and ask questions to the caregivers and the facility in general? Asking questions and following up on your concerns can help ensure patient safety and well-being. There might be intentional or unintentional contributors to your person’s care, so it’s good to establish what these are and to make the facility aware of them.

Showing up unannounced can help you catch the facility out and potentially see any possible abuse or neglect in action. To protect loved ones from abuse, proactive efforts need to be made as soon as you have concerns.

At the first sign of concern, get in touch with the facility, or if this proves too dangerous, look to remove your loved one from the facility and contact authorities immediately.