Warning signs in a care home and how to raise concerns

Choosing a care home · 3 min read · Last updated 30 October 2026

Most care home staff do a demanding job well, but families should know what warning signs to look for and what to do if something does not seem right. This guide draws on NHS guidance on abuse and neglect of adults at risk. It is written from a UK perspective, so for a home in another country, find out which local authority is responsible and use the steps below as a model.

Types of abuse and neglect

The NHS lists these types of harm, which can happen in any setting, including care homes:

  • Physical: hitting, pushing or restraining, withholding food or water, not helping someone to the toilet, or misusing medicines.
  • Psychological: threats, humiliation, intimidation, control or isolation from people and support.
  • Financial: theft, misuse of money by someone managing it, or pressure to spend money against someone's wishes.
  • Neglect: not getting enough suitable food, help with washing or clothing, medical care or needed medicines.
  • Sexual, discriminatory and domestic abuse also exist and should be taken seriously.

Signs to watch for

No single sign proves abuse, but a pattern is a reason to ask questions. The NHS suggests watching for:

  • Behaviour: becoming quiet or withdrawn, unexplained anger, sudden low mood or tearfulness, or not wanting to be alone with certain people.
  • Physical signs: bruises, wounds, untreated injuries, repeated injuries, looking unkempt or dirty, or weight loss.
  • Surroundings and belongings: a cold, dirty or untidy room, or missing belongings.
  • Money: a sudden shortage of money, unexpected charges, or financial papers that disappear.

What to do if you are worried

  1. Talk to someone you trust, and write down what you saw, with dates.
  2. Raise it with the home first if you feel safe doing so: the manager, in writing, asking how it will be investigated. Ask for the complaints procedure.
  3. Contact a professional if the answer is not good enough or the concern is serious: the person's doctor, a social worker, or the local authority's safeguarding team. The NHS also lists the Hourglass helpline in the UK (0808 808 8141).
  4. Contact the police if you think a crime is happening, including physical or financial abuse.
  5. Call emergency services if someone is in danger or needs urgent medical care.

If someone tells you about abuse, the NHS advises: speak privately and stay calm, do not promise to keep it secret, give them time, ask what they want to happen, and do not ignore your concerns, because waiting can let the harm continue.

When the home is abroad

  • Find out which authority licenses and inspects homes in that country and region. Our country guides list what we know.
  • Ask the home for its complaints procedure at the start, not when there is a problem. See contracts and fees.
  • Ask whether a local friend, a relative or a professional care manager can visit regularly if you cannot.
  • Keep the contact details of your relative's doctor and of your own country's consulate.
  • If a person is in immediate danger, call the local emergency number.

Frequently asked questions

Who should I tell first?

If you feel safe doing so, the home's manager, in writing. If the concern is serious, or you are not satisfied, tell the person's doctor, the local safeguarding or social services team, or the police if a crime may have happened.

What if I am not sure it is abuse?

You do not need proof to ask questions. Write down what you have seen and ask the home to explain. A pattern of signs is a good reason to speak to a professional.

Can I get help if the home is in another country?

Local rules apply. Start with the home's complaints procedure and the local authority responsible for care homes, and contact your own country's consulate if you need help finding the right body.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information only, compiled from the public sources listed above as of the date shown. It is not legal, medical, tax, financial or care advice, and we cannot guarantee that it is complete, accurate or up to date. Rules, thresholds and prices change and differ by country and region, and some sources describe other countries' rules as examples. Check details with the authorities and care homes named, and take professional advice for your own situation before you act. If you spot an error, please email [email protected] and we will correct it.