Top Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.3 million Americans live in nursing homes across the United States. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect frequently occur in long-term care facilities across the nation. Many instances of abuse and neglect go unnoticed and underreported, and many family members of elderly resident in these facilities fail to recognize signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect. That is why we have prepared a list of the top signs of nursing home abuse to help people whose parents, grandparents, and other elderly loved ones are living in long-term care facilities recognize signs of abuse and take proactive steps to ensure the resident’s safety. You have the legal right to hold the facility accountable for the wrongful actions of its workers and staff members. At The Mark Casto Law Firm, our nursing home negligence attorney helps people whose elderly loved ones have been abused or neglected sue long-term care facilities and recover damages. Our law firm offers free consultations at 706-450-7071.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
The term “nursing home abuse” refers to situations where caretakers and workers at long-term care facilities harm residents. There are several types of abuse that may occur in nursing homes, but each of them can cause severe harm to elderly patients. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities are not uncommon across the United States. Abuse in nursing homes may be caused by various factors, including negligent hiring, inadequate training, understaffing, and others.
How Common Is Abuse at Nursing Homes?
The vast majority of older people living in nursing homes are unable to stand up for themselves and fight back when being a victim of abuse or neglect. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated one in six elderly people over the age of 60 have been a victim of some form of abuse in a community setting during the past 12 months. Nursing home abuse may be even more prevalent as many cases of abuse and neglect go unreported and unnoticed. Unfortunately, many people who have loved ones living in long-term care facilities do not recognize some of the top signs of nursing home abuse.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
When most people hear about abuse in a nursing home, the first thing that comes to mind is physical abuse. However, there are also other types of nursing homes abuse. In addition to neglect, there are three types of abuse:
- Physical abuse. As its name implies, this type of abuse occurs when a caretaker or another member of nursing home staff causes physical harm to an elderly resident. Examples of physical abuse may include hitting, kicking, pushing, and punching a patient.
- Emotional abuse. While emotional abuse does not leave scars, bruises, or physical marks, it can affect the elderly patient’s quality of life and emotional and psychological well-being. Examples of emotional abuse include intimidation, yelling, name-calling, insulting, threatening, and others.
- Sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is one of the most heinous forms of nursing home abuse. Sexual abuse in nursing homes occurs when caregivers take advantage of elderly patients sexually. Any non-consensual sexual activity involving elderly patients in nursing homes can be considered sexual abuse.
- Nursing home neglect. Nursing home neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide proper care to nursing home residents or in other cases, residents are left unattended for long periods of time. Depending on the type of neglect, a nursing home resident can suffer from dehydration, malnourishment, bedsores, infections, and other health problems.
If family members suspect that their loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, they might be able to hold the facility accountable for the harm caused. At The Mark Casto Law Firm, the nursing home negligence attorney represents those whose loved ones have suffered from abuse or neglect in long-term care facilities and helps them pursue the compensation to which they are entitled.
What Are the Top Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
There are many signs that may indicate that an elderly resident is abused in a nursing home. Often, people may suspect abuse or neglect when they notice changes in the behavior or appearance of their loved ones. The top signs of nursing home abuse depend on the type of abuse.
Physical Abuse
Common signs of physical abuse in nursing homes include:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Signs of restraint (e.g., rope marks on the wrists)
- Broken eyeglasses
- Broken or fractured bones
- The resident’s unwillingness to be left alone with a caregiver
Emotional Abuse
Common signs of emotional abuse in nursing homes include:
- The lack of self-esteem
- Anxiety or depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social isolation
- Excessive fear
- Sudden changes in personality or behavior
Sexual Abuse
Common signs of sexual abuse in nursing homes include:
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Genital infections or injuries
- Bloody or stained underwear
- Bruising around the breasts or genitals
- Anal/vaginal bleeding
Neglect
Common signs of neglect in nursing homes include:
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Malnourishment
- Infections
- Unsanitary conditions
- Sudden weight changes
- Poor personal hygiene
Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect may not be apparent immediately. For this reason, people whose elderly loved ones are living in long-term care facilities should watch out for the warning signs of abuse and neglect through frequent unannounced visits. If a loved one notices any of the above-mentioned signs of abuse, they might want to consider contacting an experienced nursing home negligence attorney to gather evidence and documentation proving abuse or neglect and help them understand their legal remedies.
Nursing Home Negligence Attorney at The Mark Casto Law Firm
If a loved one suspects nursing home abuse or neglect, they should report their concerns to the facility’s management. It is also vital to start gathering evidence of suspected abuse or neglect in order to protect the patient’s safety and hold the facility accountable for the wrongful actions of its workers. At The Mark Casto Law Firm, the skilled nursing home negligence attorney helps people recognize the top signs of nursing home abuse and fight for justice. The law firm offers free strategy sessions at 706-450-7071.