On Behalf of Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates P.C. | Jan 29, 2024 | Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse | Last Updated: July 31, 2026
So, what can you do if you suspect nursing home neglect?
It can be hard to trust a nursing home with the care of your family members, especially when they are vulnerable.
Still, many people who cannot care for their loved ones themselves have no other option.
If you suspect neglect in an Indiana nursing home, good. Being aware is the first step to protecting vulnerable residents.
So understanding the signs of neglect, why it happens, and what steps to take can help you protect your loved one.
Forms of neglect
Nursing home neglect can take many forms and may harm residents both physically and emotionally.
Physical neglect often means residents do not get enough help with daily tasks.
Some common signs are:
- Bedsores
- Falls
- Unexplained injuries
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition
- Not enough medical care.
Emotional neglect can happen when residents feel isolated or do not have enough social interaction.
This can affect their mental health. Signs to watch for include:
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Not wanting to take part in activities.
Neglect is often hard to spot. It usually appears in small ways that are easy to overlook. That is why it helps families to know what signs to look for in all areas of care.
| Type of Neglect | What It Looks Like | Common Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Neglect | Failure to assist with mobility, positioning, or daily care. | Bedsores, unexplained bruises, or frequent falls. |
| Medical Neglect | Missed medications, delayed treatment, or ignored symptoms. | Untreated infections, medication errors, or rapid health decline. |
| Nutritional Neglect | Insufficient food, water, or dietary supervision. | Weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, or weakness. |
| Hygiene Neglect | Poor bathing, unchanged clothing, or soiled bedding. | Body odor, dirty clothing, skin irritation, or unclean living conditions. |
| Emotional / Social Neglect | Isolation, lack of social interaction, or emotional support. | Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or sudden mood changes. |
| Environmental Neglect | Unsafe, unsanitary, or poorly maintained surroundings. | Clutter, broken equipment, poor lighting, or hazardous conditions. |
Consequences for patients
Neglect can have serious effects on people living in nursing homes.
When medical conditions go untreated, or when infections and dehydration occur, residents’ health problems can get worse.
If residents are emotionally neglected, they may develop depression or anxiety, which lowers their quality of life.
You can find more details on our nursing home accidents page, where we explain how falls and bedsores often get worse when there aren’t enough staff, and how this can affect a resident’s health over time.
For residents who already have trouble moving or thinking clearly, even small mistakes—like missing a scheduled repositioning or forgetting a medication—can quickly lead to serious problems that are hard to fix.
Common causes of nursing home neglect
Nursing home neglect usually happens because of problems both within the larger system and at individual facilities.
| Cause | How It Leads to Neglect |
|---|---|
| Inadequate Staffing | Too few caregivers can lead to delayed assistance, missed care, and unmet resident needs. |
| Insufficient Training | Staff may fail to recognize health concerns or follow proper care procedures. |
| Poor Supervision | Without oversight, mistakes and neglect can continue without being corrected. |
| Budget Constraints | Cost-cutting may reduce staffing, supplies, or facility maintenance, affecting resident care. |
| Lack of Resources | Limited equipment and support make it difficult to provide safe and consistent care. |
Poor facility management can lead to more cases of neglect.
However, no reason justifies neglecting patients.
If your loved one has suffered neglect because of understaffing, you may want to learn more about how fall risks for older adults rise in understaffed nursing homes.
Staffing shortages are often a key factor in many neglect cases.
Advocating for residents
Families and friends are important advocates for nursing home residents:
📋 Ways to Stay Involved
- ✓Visit regularly — if you live nearby, try dropping by without scheduling ahead. These surprise visits can help you spot any signs of neglect.
- ✓Talk openly with staff to address concerns quickly and make sure your loved one gets the care they need.
Before choosing or continuing with a facility, it also helps to know what families should look for in a quality nursing home facility, and to stay alert to the 5 indicators of a subpar nursing facility so you can catch problems before they become serious.
Preventing neglect
Families can help prevent neglect by staying up to date on their loved one’s care plan and getting involved in their care. Asking about staffing, staff training, and activities for residents can make the nursing home safer and more supportive.
A few simple habits can make a big difference in preventing neglect:
- Visit regularly and at different times: dropping by without notice in the evening or on weekends can show you issues with staffing that you might not see during the day.
- Look over the care plan often: ask staff to explain it to you and point out anything that seems old or has not been followed.
- Keep records of everything: taking photos, writing down dates, and making notes can help prevent problems and may be useful if you ever need to make a legal claim.
- Get to know the staff: when you know caregivers by name, they are more likely to give attentive and thoughtful care.
- Pay attention to changes in mood or behavior, not just physical health: emotional neglect can be just as harmful and is often missed.
You can find more information about the psychological effects of nursing home neglect and how to spot signs of elder psychological abuse.
Reporting your concerns
If you suspect nursing home neglect, take immediate action by reporting your concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Some forms of nursing home neglect may give you grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Providing detailed information and evidence about observed neglect can aid in addressing the issue promptly.
| Agency | What They Handle | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) | Complaints against licensed nursing homes and long-term care facilities. | Online complaint form or 1-800-246-8909 |
| Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Resident rights advocacy and dispute resolution. | Available through the IDOH complaints page. |
| Adult Protective Services (APS) | Reports of endangered or at-risk adults. | 1-800-992-6978 |
| Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates | Legal action, evidence gathering, and compensation claims. | 219-248-2890 |
Get Help Protecting Your Loved One
It can be hard to recognize nursing home neglect, and even harder to face it by yourself. If you think someone you care about is being neglected in an Indiana facility, take action as soon as possible.
Our attorneys at Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates have helped families in Portage, Valparaiso, and Highland hold nursing homes responsible for neglect. We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Call 219-248-2890 or visit our Contact Us page to talk about your family’s situation today.
What are the most common signs of nursing home neglect?
Unexplained injuries, bedsores, poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, dehydration, and withdrawal or depression are among the most common warning signs. If you notice several of these together, it’s worth investigating further rather than assuming they’re isolated incidents.
What can you do if you suspect nursing home neglect?
Document what you observe with photos, dates, and detailed notes, then raise your concerns directly with facility management in writing. You can also file a complaint with the Indiana Department of Health, whether or not you’re certain neglect occurred; investigators are equipped to determine that.
Can I take legal action if my loved one was neglected in an Indiana nursing home?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, families may have grounds for a personal injury or medical malpractice claim against the facility. An experienced attorney can review medical records, staffing history, and other evidence to determine whether a claim is viable.
Why should I contact Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates about suspected nursing home neglect?
Our attorneys have handled nursing home neglect and abuse cases throughout Northwest Indiana for years, and we understand how to gather the evidence needed to hold facilities accountable. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. Call 219-248-2890 to speak with our team.
