Entrusting a loved one to a nursing home is a decision often made with the hope of ensuring their safety, well-being, and dignity. However, the frustrating reality is that nursing home abuse and neglect are widespread issues from coast to coast. Thousands of residents in care facilities experience mistreatment annually, with many cases going unreported; according to estimations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 10% of elderly people experience abuse each year, with many of those cases occurring in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Vulnerable elderly people may be unable or unwilling to speak out due to fear, confusion, or a lack of understanding about what is happening to them, too, further complicating this issue.
With how prevalent nursing home abuse and neglect are, family members of nursing home residents should understand the different types of abuse and neglect that are seen the most often. By recognizing certain patterns early, action can be taken to protect loved ones from further harm and hold nursing homes accountable for inexcusable harm.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is the deliberate infliction of harm on a resident by a caregiver, staff member, or another person within the facility like another resident. Abuse can take many forms, each causing varying levels of physical, emotional, or financial harm. Such mistreatment is not only a serious violation of trust but also a grievous breach of a resident's rights to safety and dignity.
Common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse: Includes hitting, pushing, slapping, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional abuse: Verbal harassment, intimidation, humiliation, or isolating residents from others.
- Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual advances, assault, or any form of non-consensual sexual contact.
- Financial exploitation: Unauthorized withdrawal of funds, coercion to alter wills or financial documents, or theft of valuables.
Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect
Unlike abuse, neglect arises from the failure to provide necessary care, often stemming from understaffing, inadequate training, or general negligence. Although neglect may not always involve intent to harm, its consequences can be just as severe as intentional abuse, leading to health problems and diminished quality of life for residents.
Types of neglect commonly seen in nursing homes and assisted living facilities include:
- Medical neglect: Failing to administer medication, provide necessary treatments, or address health concerns.
- Bedsore neglect: Failing to reposition a resident who stays in bed most hours, causing them to develop bedsores.
- Personal hygiene neglect: Not assisting residents with bathing, grooming, or maintaining cleanliness.
- Basic needs neglect: Failing to provide adequate food, water, or a safe living environment.
- Social or emotional neglect: Leaving residents isolated, ignoring their need for companionship, or failing to monitor their mental health.
Why Recognizing Abuse & Neglect Matters
Understanding and identifying the common types of nursing home abuse and neglect is a necessary step in protecting elderly loved ones from undue harm. Early recognition and intervention can prevent further harm, improve conditions within the care facility, and hold responsible parties accountable through legal action led by an attorney.
On the other hand, if abuse or neglect goes unnoticed and unchecked, it can cause severe consequences. Nursing home residents may suffer from untreated medical conditions, emotional trauma, or dangerous living conditions. Additionally, persistent mistreatment can contribute to a loss of dignity, independence, and overall well-being for the elderly resident.
We Can Stand Up Against Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Protecting elderly loved ones from abuse and neglect in nursing homes starts with awareness. By understanding the most common types of mistreatment, you can better identify red flags and take swift action if something seems wrong. Remember that your loved one’s safety, dignity, and quality of life should always be the top priority.
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, come to Kershaw Talley Barlow in Sacramento, California. Our team is committed to pursuing justice, holding negligent nursing homes accountable for abuse or neglect, and securing the compensation needed to set things right or for the better.
Call (916) 520-6639 today for a free consultation to explore your legal options and learn how we can help protect your family member’s well-being and livelihood.
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