Nursing home residents are often dependent on caretakers. Sadly, this makes them vulnerable victims of abuse.
Abuse and neglect are signs of some of the most common crimes in nursing homes. Adult children or siblings see their loved ones in nursing homes and don’t know what to expect or how to keep an eye out for abuse.
Fortunately, it’s not as hard to spot the signs of nursing home abuse as you think. This guide will walk you through the most obvious signs to watch out for. Keep on reading!
The Different Forms of Abuse
Nursing home abuse refers to any mistreatment or neglect that occurs in a nursing home or long-term care facility. It can take various forms, some of which include:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse of elderly people in nursing homes can consist of hitting, shoving, slapping, or any other type of physical aggression. It can also include inappropriate use of medications, restraints, or physical punishment.
Elderly people in nursing homes are physically vulnerable and unable to defend themselves from some forms of physical abuse. This type of abuse can have a long-lasting psychological and physical impact on elderly people.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
It can form verbal harassment or intimidation, humiliation, threats to do harm, manipulation, isolation, or degradation. These can have profound negative impacts on the emotional well-being of elders living in nursing homes.
It is difficult to detect in the absence of physical clues. Victims may become withdrawn, depressed, and fearful about going against the abuser’s wishes.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can come in the form of sexual contact or interaction without consent. It also includes coerced sexual conduct or forced nudity.
This type of abuse can include rape, sexual exploitation, or battery. It is important to remember that nursing home staff, volunteers, visitors, and even fellow residents can be the abuser.
Neglect
It is a form of abuse that involves a caregiver intentionally ignoring the needs of a vulnerable individual living in the facility. Neglect can include failing to provide adequate food, clothing, adequate medical attention, and essential care.
Neglect can have serious health consequences, including risk of infection, and malnutrition. It is important to take measures to prevent the occurrence of neglect.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Abuse
Signs of abuse can include a patient becoming suddenly more withdrawn and fearful. Other signs can be a change in sleep habits or a sudden desire to be left alone.
Unexplained changes in body weight could also be a warning sign of malnourishment or dehydration. It is also important to pay attention to how the senior is treated by staff.
How to Prove Abuse and Neglect
In proving nursing home negligence, a nursing home abuse attorney can help you in any incidents of abuse or neglect. Working with a nursing home abuse law firm and consultants may also be beneficial in collecting more evidence.
Collect evidence, such as photographs, medical records, and detailed witness statements. Talk to other residents or family members who may have seen the neglect and abuse.
Be More Aware of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that affects too many senior citizens. Seeing the warning signs of this type of mistreatment is the first step in keeping our senior family members safe.
If you or a loved one are concerned about mistreatment, it is important to take action right away. Don’t stay silent! Protect your loved ones and take action against nursing home abuse.
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