Sending a loved one to a nursing home is never an easy process. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or other member of your family, the realization they need assistance in their everyday life is difficult on everyone. Nursing homes are meant to be safe, caring places where people in need get support, respect, and compassion.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
According to nursing home abuse statistics by the World Health Organization, roughly 1 in 6 people over the age of 60 have reported abuse in these communities.
Elder abuse in assisted living facilities is an all-too-common reality – most of which tends to happen under the radar. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse, the signs are not always black and white. Understanding the common types of nursing home abuse and how to report them is the first step in protecting your loved one – and holding the responsible party(s) accountable.
In this article, we will outline six common types of nursing home abuse, the telltale signs to look for, and how to report these incidents. Let’s dive into it.
1. Physical Abuse
We’re going to start with one type of nursing home abuse that is relatively easy to spot. As the name implies, physical abuse involves any intentional force that causes harm to the nursing home resident.
The evidence of physical abuse can be sometimes very obvious, and other times, it can be subtle. In severe cases, physical abuse may lead to hospitalization or long-term damage, especially in elderly residents with fragile health. This type of abuse can also leave emotional scars, making residents fearful or anxious around caregivers.
Common signs of physical abuse to look for
- Unexplained bruises
- Cuts
- Burns
- Signs of restraint marks on wrists or ankles
- Changes in personality (increased shyness, anxiety, depression, etc.)
Keep in mind, sometimes staff may threaten nursing home residents into downplaying the physical harm to keep the situation quiet. Do your best to check in on your loved one and gauge their demeanor. If something seems off, it probably is.
Reporting Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of physical abuse, the first step is to report it to the nursing home administration. You can also contact local law enforcement, especially if the victim’s safety is at immediate risk.
Additionally, state agencies – namely the Adult Protective Services (APS) – handle reports of abuse in nursing homes.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse tends to fly beneath the radar in many cases. This type of abuse generally involves verbal or non-verbal actions that result in distress, fear, or mental anguish.
Residents at nursing homes don’t deserve to feel intimidated or like they are walking on eggshells. This can include yelling, threats, humiliation, intimidation, and more. Over time, emotional abuse can reduce a resident’s sense of dignity and independence, leading to a sharp decline in quality of life.
Signs of Emotional Abuse to Look for
- Sudden withdrawal
- Fearfulness
- Depression
- Drastic changes in behavior or mood
Just like physical abuse, take time to visit your loved one on a regular basis – and keep an eye out for these subtle signs.
Reporting Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Document any signs of emotional abuse you notice in your loved one. If possible, try to speak with other residents or staff who may have witnessed the abusive behavior. You can report emotional abuse to the nursing home administration and, if necessary, to APS or local law enforcement for further investigation.
3. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the most distressing forms of abuse we see in nursing homes. This involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. As painful as this is to say, residents with cognitive impairments or limited physical abilities are especially vulnerable, as they may be unable to communicate or defend themselves.
Like other types of nursing home abuse, sexual abuse can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, leading to feelings of shame, fear, and severe anxiety. We tend to see victims withdraw from social interactions, as well as become fearful of certain staff members or showing a strong desire to avoid specific people. These issues need to be addressed immediately!
Signs of sexual abuse to look for
- Bruises around the genital area
- Torn clothing
- Emotional distress related to the abuse
Reporting Sexual Abuse
If you suspect sexual abuse – or even have a gut feeling – do not waste any time in contacting the nursing home management and reporting the abuse to the police. Sexual abuse is a criminal offense, and you need to get law enforcement involved. You should also inform state protective services, such as APS, to conduct a full investigation.
4. Financial Exploitation
This is arguably one of the subtlest types of nursing home abuse we see. Many people who perpetrate these actions do so in a way that doesn’t raise alarm bells. This commonly includes theft, fraud, and manipulation.
We’ve seen cases in which a nursing home staff member steals a resident’s credit card and made small, infrequent purchases over a long period of time. This strategy flew under the radar for years. On the other hand, we’ve seen cases where a resident had their bank information stolen and the perpetrator started using it to pay all their bills.
The most important thing family members can do – especially if their loved one’s mental condition is compromised – is to keep a close eye on financial records and look for anomalies.
Signs of financial abuse to look for
- Unexplained withdrawals
- Missing belongings
- Sudden changes in financial documents
Reporting Financial Exploitation
Collect financial records, receipts, and any suspicious activity related to your loved one’s finances. Report financial exploitation to the nursing home administration and consider involving APS or a financial investigator.
5. Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect is one of the most common types of nursing home abuse. Unfortunately, the reality is most nursing homes are understaffed. A study reported by the National Institutes of Health found that up to 90% of facilities fall under this category.
Neglect happens when nursing home staff fail – or are unable – to provide basic needs, such as providing food, proper hygiene, adequate medical care, or a safe environment. This type of nursing home abuse is not always intentional. Bedsores are one of the most common injuries we see owing to neglect.
Due to lack of resources, some facilities may not provide their staff with adequate training. But it’s not an excuse. Responsible parties must be held accountable.
Signs of neglect to look for
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Poor hygiene
- Unattended medical issues
Like all the other types of nursing home abuse on this list, it’s crucial to keep tabs on your loved one in the nursing home and be watchful for the key signs.
Reporting Neglect
Make it a point to document signs of neglect and speak with other family members or staff members about your concerns. You can report neglect to the nursing home administrator, who is responsible for providing quality assurance for adequate care. If the neglect persists, contact APS or the state health department for an investigation.
6. Medication Errors
Medication errors usually fall under both abuse and neglect. In many cases, medication errors are accidents – but this doesn’t make them any less serious.
These errors may lead to severe health issues or in some cases, be life-threatening. For elderly residents, even a small mistake can result in severe complications, as they may be more sensitive to dosage changes or drug interactions. Even though many of these errors are unintentional, repeated mistakes tend to indicate deeper issues within the nursing home, such as poor training, understaffing, or lack of quality assurance.
Signs of medication errors to look for
- Worsening health symptoms
- Unusual behavior
- Signs of under- or over-medication
Families need to monitor their loved one’s health and medication regimen closely. Sudden changes in their condition may be a warning sign of mismanagement.
Reporting Medication Errors
If you suspect medication errors, keep records of all prescribed medications and doses. Hopefully, you are already doing this under normal circumstances. Report your concerns to the nursing home’s medical director and ask for a review of medication protocols. You can also contact the state health department to investigate the facility’s handling of medications.
What to Do After Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
Once you report abuse to the facility, the next step is to continue monitoring your loved one’s condition and stay involved in their care. Make sure to follow up with the nursing home and relevant agencies and keep an eye on the changes.
If you’re still noticing signs of abuse, the next step is to consult with a personal injury firm with experience in nursing home abuse. They will direct you in escalating the situation to a higher agency – like the APS. If the effects of abuse are severe, your attorney will analyze the details and begin the process to file an injury claim to protect your loved one’s rights and seek compensation.
Legal Support for Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Pursuing justice in nursing home abuse cases can be a complex process, especially when handling large facilities or corporate-owned nursing homes. These organizations have insurance providers and legal defense teams to protect them.
A personal injury attorney experienced in nursing home abuse can guide you through the legal process and negotiation with these defense teams for a fair settlement. They will be instrumental in gathering evidence, advocating for your family, and seeking rightful compensation for your loved one’s suffering.
The Next Move
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate action.
By understanding the different types of nursing home abuse – and how to report them – you can help protect your loved ones and other residents. If you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to take action and report it through the proper channels.
Even if you’re unsure about what to do, it never hurts to speak with an experienced attorney. At Midwest Injury Lawyers, we are more than happy to guide you in handling this difficult situation – whether you have a valid legal claim or not.
We provide FREE consultations to families who suspect nursing home abuse. Schedule a meeting to learn more.