Late summer brings its own risks for nursing home residents, from heat-related illness to short-staffing during vacation season, so it's worth paying a little extra attention during visits this time of year.

• Unexplained bruising, cuts, or bedsores that weren't mentioned to you
• Signs of dehydration, like dry lips, confusion, or dizziness, which become more common in hot weather
• Rooms that feel too warm, especially if air conditioning seems to be malfunctioning
• Noticeable weight loss or a change in appetite since your last visit
• Soiled clothing or bedding, or a general decline in hygiene
• A resident who seems unusually withdrawn, anxious, or afraid around certain staff members
• Medication that seems mismanaged, missed, or given at the wrong times
• Staff who seem stretched thin, slow to respond to call lights, or unfamiliar with your loved one's needs

Trust your instincts here. Families often sense something is off before they can point to exactly what. If a visit leaves you uneasy, it's worth asking questions, documenting what you observed, and following up, even if it turns out to be nothing.

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