Not all types of neglect are easy to spot. In fact both neglect and its symptoms can be quite subtle. The abuse will occur when relatives are not present and the victim may not mention it.

As with other types of neglect intent is irrelevant. If you have noticed physical or personality changes in relatives you can suspect one of the following could be happening.

We normally think of physical neglect when we think of care home abuses. It ranges from the deliberate use of force through to situations more psycho-physical in character. Slapping or untreated bedsores are covered here, as well as the inappropriate use of restraints, isolation or confinement. Physical abuse or neglect may manifest itself as changes in behaviour.

Emotional neglect covers the degree to which care home residents emotional needs are met. In a care home an elderly person could be subject to taunting, humiliation, intimidation or scapegoating. Keeping an elderly person in isolation or routinely ignoring them is also emotional abuse. Ridiculing an elderly person for bed wetting or making a request to the bathroom count as emotional abuse.

The definition of sexual abuse in a care home environment is necessarily very broad: it involves all contact without an elderly person’s permission. It includes asking an elderly person to watch a sex act or look at pornography or undress.

Care home residents can also be abused financially. This covers the unauthorised use of a person’s money or property. It covers not just theft but also obtaining residents money using deception.  

Possible instances of neglect can be reported by care home resident but in most cases family members or friends have to a role to play in raising concerns.