15 Jun The Different Forms of Nursing Home Abuse You Should Know About
Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where elderly people receive the care they need. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects many seniors. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about 10% of elderly people experience some form of abuse in nursing homes.
If you suspect abuse, take action quickly and seek help from nursing home abuse attorneys to ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. No one should have to suffer in silence, and with the right support, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve.
Read on for a few of the most common nursing home abuses you should know about.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. It involves any act that causes physical harm to a resident. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, broken bones, or other injuries.
Examples of Physical Abuse:
- Hitting or slapping a resident
- Shoving or pushing
- Restraining a resident with straps or ties
- Not providing necessary medical care
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves actions or words that cause emotional pain or distress. This can be harder to detect because there may not be any physical signs. Emotional abuse can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression. Emotional abuse can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression in the victim.
Examples of Emotional Abuse:
- Yelling or screaming
- Insulting or humiliating
- Ignoring or isolating
- Threatening
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any unwanted sexual activity or contact. Residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, are particularly vulnerable to this kind of abuse because they may not fully understand what is happening or be able to report it.
Examples of Sexual Abuse:
- Unwanted touching or groping
- Rape or attempted rape
- Forcing a resident to watch sexual acts
- Taking explicit photos of a resident without their consent
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses a resident’s money, property, or assets. This type of abuse can be carried out by nursing home staff, other residents, or even family members. Financial abuse can leave the victim without enough money to pay for their care or other needs.
Examples of Financial Abuse:
- Stealing money or personal items from a resident
- Forging a resident’s signature on checks or documents
- Coercing a resident into signing financial documents
- Misusing a resident’s credit cards or bank accounts
Abandonment
Abandonment happens when a caregiver deserts a resident, leaving them without the necessary care.
Examples of Abandonment:
- Leaving residents alone for long periods
- Failing to check on residents
- Not responding to calls for help
- Leaving residents unattended in unsafe places
How to Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial for protecting your loved ones. Look for unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, fear of certain staff members, unexplained financial withdrawals, poor hygiene, and weight loss or dehydration.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect abuse, act quickly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Keep a record of any signs of abuse
- Notify the nursing home administration, local authorities, or adult protective services
- Ensure your loved one receives the necessary medical care
- Contact a nursing home abuse attorney for legal advice and help
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Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD