Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is common due to inadequate personnel, training, and staff turnover or exhaustion. In turn, employees may take their frustrations out on the residents. In fact, according to the World Health Organization’s data on elder abuse, one-third of caregivers have neglected or abused their elderly patients.
But if you suspect that your loved one has been abused at a nursing home, you can take action. To ensure their safety, you may contact the police or an ombudsman in your area to report the abuse. And with the assistance of a nursing home abuse attorney at the Rasansky | McKenzie Law, you may be able to file a claim for damages to cover your loved one’s medical treatment and other costs.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Upon hearing the phrase “nursing home abuse,” you might first think of physical injury. Sadly, neglect, sexual assault, emotional trauma, and other types of abuse also fall under this umbrella.
Of course, to protect and provide adequate care for your loved one, you must first identify the specific kind of nursing home abuse they are experiencing. Common types of nursing home abuse and neglect include the following:
- Punitive force: Pushing, kicking, and striking are all forms of punitive physical abuse carried out by nursing home staff to punish or hurt patients intentionally.
- Abandonment and neglect: Some nursing home residents and patients may be abandoned for long stretches of time. Dehydration, infection, and pressure ulcers are just a few of the potentially fatal outcomes of this type of nursing home abuse and negligence.
- Sexual assault: Any unwelcome sexual contact or conduct falls under nursing home abuse. The sexual assault of nursing home patients by staff members is shockingly common: More than a thousand nursing homes nationwide were penalized for improperly handling sexual abuse allegations, according to a 2017 CNN study.
- Financial and emotional or verbal abuse: Though these types of abuse aren’t physical, financial exploitation and emotional or verbal abuse of the elderly also occur all too frequently. This abuse may not leave visible scars, but it still devastates your loved one’s quality of life.
Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse early can make all the difference in protecting your loved one. Some indicators are obvious, while others may be more subtle or even concealed by the victim due to fear, shame, or cognitive decline.
Here are some common red flags to watch for:
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Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures that cannot be easily explained should always raise concern, especially if staff are vague or evasive when questioned.
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Sudden behavioral changes – If your loved one becomes withdrawn, anxious, fearful, or depressed without a known cause, it could indicate emotional or physical abuse.
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Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions – Dirty clothing, soiled bedding, unbrushed hair, or strong odors can point to neglect or abandonment.
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Weight loss or dehydration – Malnutrition and dehydration may be signs of neglect, particularly if the resident seems lethargic or confused.
- Frequent infections or bedsores – These are often preventable with proper care. Repeated infections or the presence of pressure ulcers could signal serious neglect.
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Sexually transmitted infections or bruising around sensitive areas – These signs may indicate sexual abuse and must be investigated immediately.
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Reluctance to speak in front of staff – If your loved one seems nervous or refuses to talk when certain staff members are nearby, this could suggest fear of retaliation or ongoing abuse.
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Missing money or personal items – Financial exploitation can occur if staff members take advantage of vulnerable residents, especially those with memory issues or limited family oversight.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to act quickly. Your first priority should be their immediate safety. In cases of imminent danger, call 911 right away. You can also report suspected abuse to your state’s long-term care ombudsman or Adult Protective Services.
In addition, speaking with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help you take legal action and hold the facility accountable. At the Rasansky Law Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of elderly victims and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our legal team can investigate the abuse, gather evidence, and advocate for your loved one.
Let Us Help You Fight for Justice
No one deserves to suffer abuse, especially not the elderly who rely on caregivers for support and protection. If your loved one has experienced mistreatment in a nursing home, don’t stay silent.
Contact our expert nursing home abuse lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you hold negligent facilities accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves.