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Nursing home abuse is a hidden epidemic. Though it is often difficult and sensitive to discuss, it is important to know the signs of physical abuse and what to do if you suspect a loved one is a victim. Here is a discussion of physical nursing home abuse, recognizing the signs of abuse, and protecting your loved one.
Physical abuse in nursing homes is any physical force against a resident without their consent. That can include:
Physical abuse can also happen if a staff member restrains a resident using excessive force that causes physical harm.
Let's review other types of abuse in nursing homes.
Active abuse is the type of physical nursing home abuse you are most familiar with. It is an intentional act of physical aggression that causes harm to a resident, such as hitting, kicking, biting, or choking. This type of abuse can occur for several reasons, ranging from the caregiver feeling overwhelmed and frustrated to outright anger or hostility. Active abuse is a serious problem that can cause physical pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
This type of abuse is, unfortunately, prevalent in nursing homes. In many cases, it is perpetrated by staff members frustrated or overwhelmed by their job duties. In other cases, it may result from a person with a history of violence who is attracted to the vulnerable population in nursing homes. Whatever the reason, active physical abuse in nursing homes is always unacceptable and should be reported immediately.
Passive abuse is a type of physical abuse in nursing homes abuse that often goes unnoticed because it does not involve any intentional actions on the part of the abuser. Rather, it refers to any negligent behaviors that result in resident harm. That can include:
For example, if a nursing home fails to secure a wheelchair and a resident properly falls out of it, that would be considered passive abuse. Similarly, if a nursing home staff member neglects to perform regular skin checks and a resident develops bedsores, that would also be considered passive abuse. Passive abuse can also include mental cruelty, such as isolation or intimidation. While passive abuse may not be as overtly aggressive as active abuse, it can still cause severe physical and emotional harm to victims and should be addressed immediately.
Financial abuse is a type of nursing home abuse that often goes unnoticed because it does not involve any physical violence. Financial abuse is fraud or exploitation resulting in the unauthorized taking of money or property from a nursing home resident. That can include identity theft, forgery, deceptive billing practices, or if a resident is coerced into relinquishing power of attorney to another person. Financial abuse is often perpetrated by caregivers or other staff members who have access to residents' finances. This abuse can devastate victims, leaving them without the resources to cover basic needs like food and shelter.
Financial abuse can be challenging to detect because it often happens behind the scenes. However, there are signs to look out for, such as sudden changes in a person's financial situation or unexpected withdrawals from their bank account. If you suspect your loved one is being financially abused, speaking to a qualified legal professional is essential.
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact. It includes anything from unwanted touching or comments to rape or attempted rape. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is far too common in nursing homes. Often, the victims are older adults who cannot defend themselves or have dementia or other mental impairments. In addition, the perpetrators of this type of abuse are often nursing home employees, such as nurses, aides, or even doctors. As such, it can be difficult for victims to speak out or get help. This type of abuse can profoundly impact the victim's physical and mental health and lead to lasting trauma. If your loved one is being sexually abused in a nursing home, it is important to contact the authorities immediately.
Elder emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment in which a caregiver engages in expression or verbal abuse that causes psychological distress or distress in an elderly person. Examples of elder emotional and psychological abuse can include:
Elder psychological abuse can have long-lasting effects on the mental health of the elderly person and cause them to experience a loss of independence and trust.
Elder abuse in nursing homes is all too common, and it's essential to be aware of the signs to ensure your loved one is safe and well-cared for. Several signs and symptoms may indicate a person is being abused in a nursing home. Some common indicators of nursing home abuse include the following.
A sudden behavior change is among nursing homes' most common signs of physical abuse. It could manifest as increased agitation, withdrawal from activities or social situations, more aggressive than usual, or an overall decline in mood. The victims could also exhibit anxiety or fearfulness, such as cowering or flinching when approached. Others may experience sleeping problems or nightmares. If your loved one suddenly starts exhibiting these behavioral changes, it's essential to take notice and ask questions.
These can range from bruises and cuts, bed sores or pressure ulcers, broken bones and sexually transmitted diseases, or even unexplained weight loss or malnutrition. If you notice any physical injury on your loved one, it's important to ask how it happened and get a full explanation from the nursing home staff.
Another sign that something may be wrong is if there are sudden changes in your loved one's financial situation. That could include unexplained withdrawals from their bank account, unexpected credit card charges, or a change in their will or power of attorney. If you see any of these red flags, it's important to investigate further and ensure your loved one's finances are handled appropriately. It is essential to also speak to them about it. They may be too scared or ashamed to tell you what is happening if they are being abused. Contacting the authorities or filing a complaint with the nursing home is also important.
If you feel that a nursing home resident is being physically abused, you can take steps to help protect them.
If you have concerns about the possible abuse in a nursing home, you must talk to your loved one. Let them know you are there for them and will do everything you can to protect them. Get as much information as possible about what is happening. That may include talking to the residents, other residents, or staff members. If the abuse is witnessed, get a detailed description of what occurred.
If you believe your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, you can file a complaint with the facility. That will trigger an investigation by the nursing home staff and may result in disciplinary action against the abuser. It will also help to document the abuse and notify the nursing home that you will not tolerate this treatment. It's important to ensure that you have as much evidence as possible when making a complaint so that the authorities can take appropriate action.
If you believe that a nursing home resident is being abused, you can also contact Adult Protective Services (APS). APS is a state agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. They will conduct their investigation and may take steps to protect the victim, such as removing them from the abusive situation.
If you believe that a crime has been committed, such as assault or sexual abuse, you should contact the police. The police will investigate the allegations and may press charges against the abuser if there is enough evidence. That is essential in protecting the victim and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
If you are considering legal action, you must speak with an attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases. An experienced solicitor can help you understand the applicable laws and ensure that your rights are protected. The personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and recover compensation for your injuries. Pursuing a legal claim against the nursing home can not only help you get the justice you deserve, but it can also help to prevent future abuse from happening to other residents.
It is also important to get in touch with a support group. Many organizations can offer help and support to victims of nursing home abuse. These organizations can provide information about the problem of nursing home abuse; offer victims support resources, and help raise awareness about the issue. Connecting with a support group can be important in healing from abuse's physical and emotional trauma. In addition, it can also provide you with the strength and resources you need to protect your loved one from further abuse.
Though it can be challenging to detect and often goes unreported, physical abuse in nursing homes is a reality that we must face. Through increasing awareness and understanding of the issue, we can help prevent future cases of abuse and ensure that those affected by it get the help they need. Only by working together can we put an end to this problem. If you or a loved one has been abused in a nursing home, contact an experienced attorney today.
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