Nursing home abuse occurs when a medical provider, facility, or other location does not provide the standard level of care expected, putting a resident’s care at risk. There are numerous types of nursing home abuse, each causing a different kind of struggle for the victim, but all taking advantage of others in some way. Take a look at the most common types of nursing home abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse happens when a resident suffers bodily harm resulting from treatment by the staff or other residents. Signs of physical abuse may include:
- Bruising that is unexplained
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Physical abuse may include being hit, punched, dropped, pushed, or otherwise physically harmed. The providers and facilities could be negligent in situations that are unsafe or intentional.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes any type of verbal threat or expressed negative treatment of a resident. Examples of emotional abuse can include:
- Changes in behavior, unlike the resident
- Being fearful of specific people
- Withdrawing from family and friends or activities once enjoyed
- Displays of emotional trauma, including statements of being afraid
- Mood swings not otherwise explained
Emotional abuse may include isolation, threats, and verbal statements meant to hurt someone. It is often intentional and neglectful.
Neglect
Neglect is a type of nursing home abuse and it occurs when a person does not receive the type and level of care they need. Being short-staffed is not an excuse for neglectful behavior. Examples may include:
- Not providing proper hygiene
- Untreated medical conditions
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
In these situations, families may notice their loved one’s care is lacking, such as not getting personal hygiene help, or they may become ill because of the treatment they receive.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can occur in a nursing home setting when a person on staff, another resident, or the center itself takes advantage of a person’s finances in some way. Examples may include:
- Stealing money or valuables from a resident’s room
- Coercing a resident into signing over assets
- Extensive billing for care not received
- Having residents change their will
It can be hard to spot this type of neglect unless you are paying close attention to your loved one’s financial situation.
Sexual Abuse
It is not uncommon for sexual abuse to occur in a nursing home, whether by another resident or a care provider abusing a resident. Sexual abuse may be one of the hardest types of abuse to demonstrate because victims may not want to talk about it. Look for clues such as:
- Asking to leave the location urgently
- Unexplained injuries in the genital areas
- Torn clothing
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Onset of STDs
If you suspect sexual abuse, whether that includes inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or coercion, seek immediate help for your loved one.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
These types of nursing home abuse can be cruel, especially if your loved one does not have the ability or willingness to communicate what is happening. If a criminal act occurs, contact the police, document the incident, and seek the help of an attorney. You can request that your loved one be taken to an area hospital immediately, even if they are using Medicare or Medicaid to pay for their care.