There are several risk factors that people can look for to determine whether their loved one is at risk for nursing home abuse: Low social support such as lack of family and friends that are able to regularly visit; Dementia, a type of disease that accelerates memory loss and the deterioration of other mental functions; A history of post-traumatic events  such as service in a war, involvement in a serious accident; Poor physical health, with dependence on others for basic human functions like eating, drinking, moving; Lack of spouse or partner, widowed.