In the United States we see stories of nursing home abuse in the news on an almost weekly basis. No one wants to put their loved one in a nursing home, but for many families it is the best choice. When this happens, it’s understandable that you may have concerns about their safety.
Nursing home abuse is on the rise, and the root of the problem lies in corporations placing profits above people. Many of these facilities are owned by corporations that are in the business of making money rather than providing the highest quality care.
Cutting costs at the expense of staff and residents creates conditions that can lead to nursing home abuse. Some of the reasons this type of abuse happens include:
- Lack of proper staff training
- Underpaid staff
- Low-quality facilities
- Understaffing
These conditions breed resentment in staff. Unfortunately, all too often, they take it out on the vulnerable residents of the facility.
If you are caring for a senior and you feel like you’re in over your head, you may have made the difficult choice to place them in a home. The best way to make sure they’re safe is to do your homework before you choose a facility.
You should also learn the signs of nursing home abuse so you will know it if you see it. The sooner you recognize abuse, the sooner you’ll be able to put a stop to it. Talk to an elder care attorney if you have any concerns.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Some types of nursing home abuse are more difficult to spot than others. If your loved one seems “off” or isn’t acting like themselves, abuse may be the reason behind it. The following are the definitions of the main types of nursing home abuse to look out for.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse
Psychological and emotional abuse can include verbal attacks, intimidation, harassment, threats, the “silent treatment,” and insults. It can also include forced isolation.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, and any other type of violence that includes striking. It can also include force-feeding and restraining or the inappropriate use of medications.
Neglect
Neglect can include any activity that deprives an elderly person of necessities like water, food, and medicine. It is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill the duty of care they are bound to.
Self-Neglect
When an elderly individual begins to lose control of their mental faculties, they may self-neglect by failing to tend to their hygiene, to eat, or to take safety precautions.
Abandonment
Abandonment in a nursing home happens when an elderly person is deserted by the nursing home staff that is responsible for providing their care.
Financial Abuse
The financial exploitation of a resident of a care facility can take many forms. These include cashing their checks, forging their signature, and coercing a senior into signing documents.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual contact with an elderly person who is no longer capable of giving consent is abuse. Elder sexual abuse can also include unwanted touching, photographing, and rape.
What You Can Do to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should report it to the management of the facility. They are required by law to address any abuse concerns. You should also ask for a written copy of their policy so your elder care attorney can use it for evidence in your case.
Each state also has its own website with information ab
out how you can report elder abuse to the authorities. You can easily find the information for your state with an online search.
According to the World Health Organization Ageing and Health report, the worldwide population of people who are 60 and over will double by 2050. As the elderly population increases, more families will find themselves relying on senior care homes.
Holding facilities accountable keeps our seniors safe. If you need to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit due to nursing home abuse, a lawyer can tell you what you’ll need to prove your case.