Everyone wants to protect their loved ones and give them the best life possible. When people place their elders in nursing homes, it is with the hope and expectation that their loved one will be safe and taken care of properly. Nursing home care can be expensive but also requires a lot of trust in the facility.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is common. Around 10 percent of nursing home residents experience abuse, and that is an unacceptable violation of the resident’s trust and safety.
What Are the Most Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse?
There are seven common types of nursing home abuse, and all of them can be serious with long-term effects on the residents, especially those who are elderly. The seven types are:
1. Emotional Abuse
Also known as psychological abuse, which is when one person subjects another to verbal or nonverbal behavior, resulting in psychological trauma. Emotional abuse is the most common form of abuse in a nursing home. The consequences can include anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Some examples of emotional abuse include:
- Making fun of residents
- Threatening residents with physical harm
- Yelling at residents when they are struggling
- Telling residents that no one cares about them
- Withholding necessities like food or medication
2. Physical Abuse
This form of abuse is the infliction of bodily harm or pain intentionally, recklessly, or negligently. This can include not only beating, hitting, or pushing but also restraint through chemical or physical means.
3. Abandonment
Leaving a nursing home resident without a caretaker for a significant period of time is a form of abuse. The consequences are not only psychological harm but physical harm if the resident cannot take care of themself.
4. Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual form of sexual contact with a resident is considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can occur when it is by force, threat, a resident’s incapacity, or other means. Inappropriate sexual advances or communications also qualify as sexual abuse. A nursing home can potentially be held liable for an employee’s sexual abuse of residents.
5. Financial Abuse
Stealing a nursing home resident’s finances or property, overcharging them, forcing them to sign checks or documents, and other means of accessing their financial assets are all forms of financial abuse. This can apply regardless of whether it is done on the nursing home’s behalf or for the benefit of a single employee.
6. Neglect
Ignoring a resident’s needs is a form of abuse called neglect. This can include failing to provide medication, food, water, and assistance.
7. Self-Neglect
Forcing nursing home residents to harm themselves is another common abuse tactic and is a valid ground for legal action.
All of these are horrible experiences for someone to endure. Nursing home residents have the right to be treated with respect and free of abuse. Our dedicated lawyers are well acquainted with local abuse and neglect laws and are ready to use their knowledge to help you fight back against such despicable behaviors.
Contact Our Compassionate Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Today
It is difficult to understand why someone would abuse a nursing home resident. The resulting emotions of anger, pain, and sadness can be overwhelming. It is incredibly important to protect the dignity of our elders. If you or a loved one has experienced elder abuse, it is important for you to know those who experience nursing home abuse have clear rights under the law that can help them receive justice. Contacting an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and how to move forward.
