How to Spot Nursing Home Abuse

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse includes any act or lack of timely action, intentional or unintentional, within an elder care institution that causes harm or distress to an elderly person.

As an individual ages, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to defend themself when faced with physical or verbal abuse. Nursing home residents are typically individuals who are vulnerable and therefore require assistance from their caretakers to complete everyday tasks. In many cases of elder abuse, the victim is either afraid to speak up or suffers from cognitive impairments that render them unaware that they are being abused.

According to the World Health Organization, as of 2022, 2 out of 3 staff members of nursing homes and long-term care facilities have admitted to abusing their elderly patients within the last year.

Causes of nursing home abuse

Nursing home abuse is shockingly prevalent in our society. Understaffed facilities run by employees who are overworked, untrained, and burdened by their own personal issues; result in frustrated caretakers who could resort to abusing the elderly patients within these institutions.

Types of nursing home abuse and common warning signs

Nursing home abuse can take on many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. To identify the type of nursing home abuse experienced by an elderly individual, it’s important to pay close attention to any behavioral or personality changes that may occur.

Some warning signs of the different types of elder abuse include:

Physical Abuse

●     Broken bones or sprains

●     Unexplainable bruises and scars

●     Sedation or improper dosage of medication

●     Injuries that require hospitalization

Emotional Abuse

●     Depression

●     Refusal to speak in the presence of caretaker(s)

●     Sudden withdrawal from usual activities

●     Strained relationship with the caretaker(s)

Sexual Abuse

●     Bruising on or near the genitals

●     Sexually transmitted diseases and infections

●     Torn or bloody underwear

●     Genital pain or irritation

Financial Abuse

●     Inexplicable change in the financial status of an individual

●     Unexplained ATM withdrawals or missing cash

●     Changes to legal documents such as wills, property titles, or insurance policies

●     Loss of valuable possessions

Nursing Home Neglect

●     Bedsores from not being regularly turned

●     Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions

●     Malnutrition or dehydration

●     Frequent unexplained falls

 

How to address suspected cases of nursing home abuse

Elder abuse can cause serious medical and psychological issues. In severe cases, nursing home abuse may result in death. If there’s any suspicion that an elderly resident may be a victim of nursing home abuse, immediate action is required.

Seek medical assistance as soon as possible, document photos and witness statements of the abuse, and immediately report the facility to the authorities. Once the individual has been evaluated by a medical professional, they should be relocated to a different facility if needed. If you are facing these challenges and are in need of an eldercare attorney please contact Hishaw Law LLC to schedule a free consultation.

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