Why Recognizing the Signs Early Matters

When families place a loved one in a nursing home, it's with the hope and expectation that they’ll receive compassionate care in a safe environment. Unfortunately, not all facilities live up to that promise. Across Denver, cases of nursing home abuse and neglect continue to surface, and often the victims are unable—or too afraid—to speak for themselves. This is why families play such a crucial role in identifying signs of mistreatment and intervening quickly.

Elder abuse isn’t always obvious. Some cases involve clear physical injuries, while others are much more subtle, involving emotional manipulation, neglect, or even financial exploitation. Recognizing these signs early can prevent more serious harm and can also serve as key evidence if legal action becomes necessary. Whether your loved one is staying in a private care facility or a large, corporate-run nursing home, you should feel empowered to question what you see and advocate on their behalf.

Physical and Behavioral Red Flags to Watch For

Some of the clearest indicators of abuse in a nursing home setting are physical. While occasional bruising might occur due to the fragile nature of aging skin, recurring or severe injuries—especially when staff cannot explain them—should raise immediate concern. In Denver-area facilities, families have reported everything from untreated bedsores to falls that were never documented or reported properly.

Here are some common physical and behavioral signs that may indicate abuse or mistreatment:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, welts, or burns
• Fractures or sprains without documented incidents
• Visible signs of restraint, such as marks on wrists or ankles
• Frequent infections or untreated wounds
• Loss of mobility due to lack of exercise or physical therapy
• Withdrawal from social interaction or lack of interest in activities
• Sudden mood swings, anxiety, or fear around staff members

If your loved one begins to act differently—becoming more withdrawn, agitated, or fearful—it may be a sign they’re experiencing emotional abuse or neglect. These behavioral changes are often overlooked or attributed to aging, but they can be powerful indicators that something is wrong behind closed doors.

Signs of Neglect and Poor Medical Oversight

Neglect in a nursing home isn’t always malicious—but that doesn’t make it less dangerous. Sometimes it results from inadequate staffing, poor training, or a facility’s failure to follow proper care protocols. Whatever the cause, neglect can lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences for elderly residents.

Common indicators of neglect include:

• Dehydration or signs of malnutrition
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Unsanitary conditions, such as soiled bedding or dirty bathrooms
• Frequent urinary tract infections or skin infections
• Untreated medical issues or delayed access to doctors
• Missed doses of medication or incorrect prescriptions

Residents who rely on staff for assistance with mobility, hygiene, or nutrition are particularly vulnerable. If caregivers don’t provide timely support, issues like pressure ulcers (bedsores), falls, and poor hygiene can develop quickly. In some Denver nursing homes, families have even reported loved ones being left unattended for hours or being rushed through meals without proper feeding assistance.

Neglect may also appear in the form of poor record-keeping or inconsistent care plans. If you’re seeing repeated mistakes or gaps in communication between staff and medical providers, that’s a sign the facility may not be managing resident care appropriately.

Emotional and Financial Abuse: What to Look For

Not all forms of abuse leave visible scars. Emotional abuse—such as verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation—can be just as damaging as physical harm. Victims of emotional abuse may become withdrawn, depressed, or anxious, often without understanding why they feel that way.

Signs of emotional or psychological abuse may include:

• Unusual sadness, crying spells, or signs of depression
• Reluctance to speak openly in front of staff
• Fear of being left alone or abandoned
• Sudden silence or avoidance when discussing specific caregivers

Financial abuse is another growing concern, particularly among residents with cognitive impairments. Dishonest caregivers or even facility administrators may exploit an elderly resident’s trust to gain access to their finances.

Warning signs of financial exploitation include:

• Missing personal property, jewelry, or cash
• Unexplained withdrawals or bank activity
• Changes to wills, trusts, or financial documents
• Sudden interest from staff in a resident’s financial matters

Families should remain involved in their loved one’s finances and medical care. Regularly reviewing records, asking questions, and staying visible in the facility can reduce the risk of financial manipulation and increase transparency in day-to-day care.

Call Bell & Pollock Today If You Suspect Abuse in a Denver Nursing Home

If you notice any of these signs—or even if something just doesn’t feel right—it’s important to take action immediately. Start by documenting your concerns. Take notes on what you observe, including dates, names of staff involved, and any explanations you’re given. If your loved one has visible injuries, photographs can also serve as important evidence later on.

You should also report your concerns to the facility’s administration. In some cases, abuse or neglect stems from individual employees, and responsible administrators may act quickly to correct the issue. However, if you feel the issue is being ignored or covered up, it’s time to go further.

In Colorado, you can report suspected abuse to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or Adult Protective Services. But to truly protect your loved one and hold the nursing home accountable, speaking with an attorney can make a significant difference.

Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys understand how to investigate these cases, preserve critical evidence, and advocate for the justice your family deserves. We know the warning signs, and we know how to expose negligent or abusive care facilities in Denver and throughout the state.

If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Denver nursing home, we’re here to stand with you. Our legal team will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you take swift action. Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help protect your family’s rights and dignity.