7 Types Of Nursing Home Abuse You Should Be Aware Of

deserve. Unfortunately, these facilities are sometimes places where vulnerable individuals experience harm at the hands of those entrusted with their care. 

Nursing home types of abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even neglectful. The most heartbreaking aspect is that some victims may not be able to communicate or advocate for themselves due to cognitive decline or fear of retaliation.

In this blog post, we will explore several types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes, highlighting their warning signs and offering advice on how to handle the situation.

Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Physical abuse is among the most visible forms of nursing home abuse. It includes any intentional action that harms a resident, such as hitting, slapping, or using excessive force. Not all physical abuse results in visible injuries. Subtle signs, such as malnutrition or dehydration, can indicate physical harm when the facility fails to provide proper care.

The injuries that result from physical abuse can range from bruises and cuts to broken bones and even severe internal damage. In some instances, a resident may experience injuries like bedsores or pressure ulcers due to a lack of movement or improper care. These can be signs of negligence or mistreatment, often compounded by a lack of immediate medical attention.

When it comes to physical abuse, the signs are often visible, such as black eyes, bruises, or unexplained fractures. However, sometimes the abuse is more subtle and harder to detect, especially if the victim is unable or unwilling to speak out.

If a family member has suddenly become withdrawn or is exhibiting fear when certain staff members are around, these may be signs of abuse. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to investigate and take appropriate action to protect your loved one.

Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect happens when staff do not provide residents with the care, attention, and support they need. Even when unintentional, neglect can cause serious harm. It may involve failing to deliver medical care, assist with daily activities, or simply paying insufficient attention to a resident’s needs.

Inadequate supervision is often a result of understaffing, which can lead to employees being overworked and unable to meet the needs of all residents. This creates a dangerous environment where accidents and neglect are more likely to occur. In nursing homes where residents require constant care, any failure to give assistance can be devastating.

There are several forms of neglect in nursing homes. Medical neglect is when the staff fails to provide the patient with necessary medications, treatments, or medical devices. This could mean failing to administer vital medication or not notifying medical personnel about worsening health conditions. General neglect includes failing to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as bringing food, water, shelter, and personal hygiene.

Sometimes, neglect can be as simple as failing to reposition a resident in bed, which can lead to the development of bedsores, or not feeding the resident properly, leading to malnutrition. In some cases, it may involve not responding promptly to call buttons, leaving patients without assistance when they need help.

The signs of neglect are often subtle but very serious. If you notice that your loved one seems unusually unkempt, malnourished, or dehydrated, or if they are becoming increasingly isolated, it could be a sign of neglect. Family members should remain vigilant and report any concerns immediately to ensure their loved one’s safety.

Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes

Emotional abuse, often called psychological abuse, can be just as damaging as physical abuse, but it is typically harder to detect. 

This form of abuse involves inflicting emotional pain or distress on a resident through actions such as verbal abuse, threats, isolation, or humiliation. Emotional abuse may not leave visible scars. However, the psychological toll on victims can be long-lasting and severe.

Verbal abuse is one of the most common forms of emotional abuse. This can include name-calling, yelling, taunting, or threats that belittle or intimidate the resident. In some cases, residents may also be subjected to intimidation or bullying behavior. Another form of emotional abuse involves deliberately isolating a resident from other people, including family members or fellow residents, as a way to control or punish them.

The lack of physical evidence makes emotional abuse one of the most difficult types of abuse to prove, but it can have devastating consequences. Victims of emotional abuse often experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. 

Over time, these individuals may become withdrawn or unwilling to communicate, and they may show signs of fear or extreme anxiety when certain staff members are nearby.

As emotional abuse can go unnoticed, it’s essential for families to remain aware of changes in the resident’s behavior. If a loved one suddenly becomes anxious, fearful, or withdrawn, especially around certain individuals, it could be a red flag for emotional abuse.

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse in nursing homes ranks among the most serious forms of mistreatment. It can be committed by staff members, other residents, or even visitors. Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact, from inappropriate touching to rape or sexual assault.

It’s especially difficult for elderly residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, to recognize sexual abuse or report it. This makes them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Unfortunately, sexual abuse in nursing homes often goes underreported, especially when the victim is unable to speak up or understand what is happening.

Some common forms of sexual abuse include unwanted touching, rape, or sexual harassment. Sometimes, the abuse is more covert, like coerced nudity or photographing residents in compromising situations. These acts not only harm the physical well-being of the victim but also cause severe emotional distress.

Warning signs of sexual abuse include unexplained bruising or injuries around the genital or pelvic areas, difficulty sitting or walking, and sudden emotional withdrawal. If sexual abuse is suspected, immediate professional intervention is critical to protect the resident and start an investigation.

Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes

Financial abuse is a hidden and complex form of nursing home types of abuse. It occurs when a resident’s money, assets, or property are misused for personal gain. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to cognitive impairments, isolation, or their trust in others to manage their finances.

This abuse can take many forms, such as forging signatures, stealing money or property, or pressuring a resident into making financial decisions, like changing their will or signing over assets. In some cases, a nursing home staff member might exploit a resident’s power of attorney to gain access to their bank accounts or properties.

The signs of financial abuse are often difficult to detect until the damage has been done. Family members may notice that the elderly resident’s bank accounts are drained or that there are unexpected charges. Unexplained transfers of assets or changes in financial documents, such as wills, can also indicate financial abuse.

If you suspect that your loved one is being financially exploited, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect the resident’s financial interests and recover any misused funds.

Abandonment in Nursing Homes

Abandonment occurs when a caregiver or staff member leaves a resident unattended or neglects to fulfill their basic needs. This type of abuse can be as harmful as neglect and can cause both physical and emotional damage to the resident. Abandonment may involve failing to check on a resident regularly, leaving them in a room without proper assistance, or neglecting to administer medications and other vital care.

In some cases, abandonment may involve a complete failure to respond to urgent needs, such as refusing to assist the resident with moving or eating. The lack of attention can lead to injuries from falls, malnutrition, and emotional distress from being left alone.

The signs of abandonment can include bedsores, unexplained weight loss, and emotional withdrawal. Residents may also become fearful, anxious, or depressed when left alone. Family members who notice signs of abandonment should act quickly to protect their loved ones from further harm.

Abuse by Other Residents

While most cases of nursing home abuse come from staff, it is also important to recognize that abuse can be perpetrated by other residents. This risk is particularly high in facilities where individuals have severe dementia or other cognitive impairments, as they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.

In these situations, nursing home staff are responsible for providing adequate care and supervision to prevent residents from harming one another. This includes closely monitoring interactions, intervening when aggressive behavior arises, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable residents.

When abuse by a resident occurs, the facility may be held liable for failing to manage or monitor those with aggressive tendencies. Liability can result if staff do not separate residents who pose a risk or fail to provide sufficient supervision, leaving others exposed to physical or emotional harm. Facilities must have protocols in place to address conflicts and protect all residents from preventable incidents.

Warning Signs of Abuse by Other Residents

• Physical injuries, such as bruises, scratches, or bites.
• Emotional withdrawal or fear of other residents.
• Changes in behavior, such as increased agitation or anxiety.
• Reluctance to engage in group activities or socialize with other residents.

If abuse is suspected by another resident, the nursing home facility should take immediate steps to address the issue. 

How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been affected by any of these forms of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather critical evidence, and take the necessary steps to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.

Whether the abuse involves physical harm, neglect, emotional distress, or financial exploitation, your lawyer can help pursue justice, hold those responsible accountable, and secure compensation to address medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

At Freeman Injury Law, we understand the profound emotional and financial impact that nursing home abuse can have on victims and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you throughout the legal process, advocating fiercely on your behalf, and making certain that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.