What Are the Physical Signs of Neglect in Nursing Homes?

When Neglect Leaves Visible Clues, It’s Time to Act

Nursing homes are trusted with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. But when facilities fail to provide even the most basic level of care, residents suffer. While abuse is often intentional, neglect happens when nursing home staff fail to meet a resident’s physical, emotional, or medical needs—either through inaction, understaffing, or carelessness.

One of the most alarming aspects of nursing home neglect is that it often shows up in physical form: visible injuries, poor hygiene, malnutrition, or untreated medical issues. These red flags shouldn’t be ignored.

At The Higgins Firm, our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers help families recognize these signs and take swift legal action when neglect is suspected. Below, we break down the most common physical indicators of nursing home neglect—and what you can do if your loved one is affected.

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide the necessary care, supervision, or attention that a resident needs to stay safe and healthy. It may be unintentional, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous—or any less actionable under the law.

Common types of neglect include:

• Basic needs neglect – failing to provide food, water, shelter, or hygiene
• Medical neglect – not providing medications, treatments, or doctor care
• Personal hygiene neglect – not assisting with bathing, oral care, grooming
• Supervisory neglect – allowing wandering, falls, or injuries due to lack of monitoring
• Emotional/social neglect – isolating residents or ignoring mental health needs

Many of these forms of neglect lead to physical symptoms, which may be the only visible clues something is wrong.

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

1. Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)

One of the most well-known signs of nursing home neglect, bedsores develop when a resident isn’t turned or repositioned frequently. They usually form on the back, hips, heels, or elbows—areas where bone presses against skin.

Left untreated, these wounds can become infected, require surgery, or even turn fatal. In most cases, bedsores are preventable with proper care.

2. Dehydration or Malnutrition

Signs of dehydration may include:

• Dry mouth and cracked lips
• Sunken eyes
• Weakness or confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Dark, infrequent urination

Malnutrition symptoms include:

• Sudden or significant weight loss
• Muscle wasting
• Brittle hair or nails
• Fatigue
• Poor wound healing

Lack of proper food and fluid intake is never acceptable in a nursing home setting—and it points directly to neglect.

3. Poor Hygiene

If your loved one appears unclean, unbathed, or smells of urine or feces, they may not be receiving help with basic hygiene.

Common signs:

• Dirty clothing or bed linens
• Unwashed hair or body
• Overgrown fingernails or toenails
• Strong body odor
• Soiled adult diapers left unchanged

Many nursing home residents rely entirely on staff for grooming and toileting. When that care isn’t provided, it’s a clear warning sign.

4. Untreated Infections or Illnesses

Nursing homes are legally obligated to monitor residents’ health and respond promptly to medical needs. Failure to recognize or treat infections can be fatal.

Red flags include:

• Persistent fever
• Coughs, rashes, or open wounds that worsen
• Foul-smelling discharge from wounds or catheters
• Sudden behavioral changes (which can signal urinary tract infections or sepsis)

Delayed care, ignored symptoms, or missed medications may point to deeper systemic failures within the facility.

5. Frequent Falls or Unexplained Injuries

Residents who fall repeatedly—or who show signs of bruising or fractures without a clear explanation—may not be getting adequate supervision or mobility assistance.

Signs include:

• Bruises in various stages of healing
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Scrapes or cuts
• Fearfulness or flinching around staff

Nursing homes must assess fall risk and implement plans to reduce it. A pattern of injuries is unacceptable and potentially actionable.

6. Poor Dental or Oral Health

Neglecting oral care can lead to pain, infections, and serious health issues.

Watch for:

• Broken or missing teeth
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Mouth sores
• Trouble eating or swallowing
• Foul breath

Many residents are unable to maintain their own oral hygiene and rely on trained staff for assistance.

7. Unkempt Living Environment

The resident’s physical space can also reflect neglect.

Things to look for:

• Dirty or cluttered rooms
• Soiled bedding or furniture
• Insects or rodents
• Broken call buttons or medical equipment
• Unclean bathrooms

A disorganized or hazardous environment puts residents at risk and may violate state and federal safety standards.

Why Physical Signs of Neglect Matter

While emotional abuse and neglect are often invisible, physical symptoms tell a story that courts and juries can see—and believe. These signs serve as crucial evidence in nursing home negligence claims, especially when paired with medical records, facility reports, and expert testimony.

Neglect isn’t always intentional, but that doesn’t make it legal. Under Tennessee law, nursing homes are required to provide a minimum standard of care—and when they fail, they can be held liable.

What Should You Do If You See Signs of Neglect?

If your loved one shows any of the signs listed above, take these steps immediately:

1. Document everything. Take time-stamped photos, keep a written journal, and collect medical records.
2. Speak up. Bring concerns to the facility administrator, director of nursing, or charge nurse.
3. Report the facility. Contact the Tennessee Department of Health or Adult Protective Services.
4. Get legal advice. An experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can help protect your loved one and pursue compensation.

Time is critical—many facilities attempt to cover their tracks after a complaint is made.

The Higgins Firm Holds Negligent Nursing Homes Accountable

At The Higgins Firm, we don’t let nursing homes hide behind excuses. If your loved one has been neglected or injured in a Tennessee long-term care facility, we’ll:

• Investigate the facility’s staffing, records, and care plans
• Work with medical experts to evaluate physical harm
• File a claim to recover damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more
• Help move your loved one to a safer environment

We’ve recovered millions for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect—and we’re ready to help your family next.

Suspect Nursing Home Neglect in Tennessee? Contact The Higgins Firm Today.

Neglect doesn’t always look dramatic—but the consequences are. If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s physical health, don’t wait to take action.

Call The Higgins Firm for a free consultation. We’ll listen, investigate, and help you take the next steps toward justice.

Because your loved one deserves safety. And you deserve answers.