Nursing homes are the ones in charge of taking care of elderly and vulnerable residents who have specific needs to be covered. These institutions are supposed to provide quality care for every resident, but sometimes, it’s not what you think. If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s essential to recognize if there are any signs of elder abuse to know how to proceed. In our blog, you will learn how to identify these signs and what to do if any of these scenarios happen to your loved one.
Forms of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect may appear in any form in a nursing home that doesn’t follow the established protocols and regulations. But what exactly does abuse and neglect look like in a nursing home setting? There are so many types and forms of abuse that your loved one might suffer in a nursing home that are not suitable for them. Even at the start, there may be elder abuse signs you need to recognize when choosing institutions like this.
Although the abuse and neglect could be noticeable when it’s physical or sexual, your loved one may experience other types of abuse, such as emotional, abandonment, or even financial abuse, that aren’t easy to spot at first glance. Some signs of nursing home abuse include more than bruises or injuries; you will find unusual behavior, fear, mumbling, or even symptoms of dementia.
How Common Are Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes?
In the United States, one in ten elderly residents in nursing homes experience some form of abuse or neglect. Recent studies from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) indicate these numbers have increased in severity during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching a time high of one in five vulnerable adults who suffered any type of abuse or neglect. It’s common to see multiple forms of neglect that can occur at the same time or over time, including emotional, financial, and physical abuse in nursing homes. Moreover, some estimations state that between 1% and 2% of the population over age 65 has been victims of any type of abuse or neglect.
Indicators of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
The signs of nursing home neglect and abuse are more than simple hints that something is not working in these institutions; it’s a serious problem that requires attention. Recognizing the signs and patterns that may point to different types of abuse is crucial. For the different kinds of abuse and neglect, you can find common indicators here:
Physical Abuse Indicators
One of the most common examples of neglect in nursing homes, physical abuse, can be shown in any part of the body of an elderly adult. Sometimes, it can be hard to spot depending on how the harm was caused. Some indicators are:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Sprains
- Bruises
- Burns
- Scars
- Welts
- Signs of restraint (rope marks on the wrist)
- Duct tape remnants
- Broken eyeglasses
- Unexplained injuries
Emotional Abuse Indicators
In some cases, the abuse won’t have physical manifestations. When an elderly adult is under certain situations that will affect their emotional well-being, the signs of elder abuse will be indicative of something happening inside the nursing home. Some indicators are:
- Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Mumbling
dementia - Rocking behaviors
- Sucking one’s thumb
Financial Abuse Indicators
Although it is not the most common type of abuse or neglect in nursing homes, it still represents a situation where the staff in a nursing home are taking advantage of their position over your loved one. Some financial elder abuse signs are:
- Unauthorized transactions
- Missing assets
- Missing money, funds, or even properties
Sexual Abuse Indicators
It’s a delicate and unexpected situation when an elderly resident experiences any kind of sexual abuse. Although it is unthinkable, the primary caregivers you entrust in nursing homes are capable of these situations. Some signs of nursing home abuse are:
- Unexplained genital injuries
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Behavioral changes such as withdrawals and fearfulness
Red Flags of Neglect and Abandonment in Nursing Homes
Before the abuse and neglect happen in a nursing home, you may encounter some red flags you should not ignore to avoid any potential situations. Signs of nursing home neglect and abuse can start with poor hygiene, which can include basic hygiene needs like bathing or brushing their teeth. Lack of supervision can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, not taking into consideration the alimentary needs of elderly adults, and even unsanitary living conditions like dirty and cluttered spaces.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Elder Abuse in a Nursing Home
If you think your loved one may suffer one or multiple types of abuse, we understand you may be horrified and worried about the situation. Although elder abuse signs sometimes are hard to spot, if you suspect there are irregular situations related to neglect in a nursing home, it’s important you follow these steps if you want to file a claim:
1. Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of any signs of neglect or abandonment using photos, videos, written statements from your loved ones or witnesses, and others. This documentation must include dates, times, and descriptions of incidents.2. Communicate with Staff:
If you suspect any signs of nursing home abuse address your concerns directly to the nursing home administration and request a care plan review.3. Report to Authorities:
There are specific institutions that will take your concerns into account. You can report your concerns to your local adult protective services, ombudsman programs, or state regulatory agencies.4. Seek Legal Advice:
Once you have clear evidence of elder abuse, you can file a claim. We recommend you consult an attorney specializing in elder law or nursing home abuse, such as Arizona Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm, to explore your options.If you suspect elder abuse in your surroundings, do not hesitate.
Contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help!
Conclusion
Signs of elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes are concerning for you, who entrust an institution to provide quality care for your loved one. Although the abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment, or a combination of different ones, these situations are sensitive and delicate. At Arizona Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm, our specialized attorneys will understand how torn you may feel, and we want to support you if you want to seek justice. If you suspect abuse, document all evidence, communicate with staff, report to authorities, and contact us to help you in your legal journey. Schedule a free consultation and tell us your story; we will fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
FAQs:
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes occur when caregivers can’t meet elderly residents’ basic needs, such as hygiene, nutrition, or medical care, which leads to a harmful situation. Examples of neglect in nursing homes are untreated bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, or unsanitary conditions; these situations are often due to understaffing or lack of training.
The signs of elder abuse can be different from one another. Still, it’s common to spot unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, dehydration, malnutrition, withdrawals, fearfulness, missing money or assets, and behavioral changes. In some of the most serious situations that involve sexual abuse, you will find genital injuries or infections.
You will be required to gather and document evidence using various methods, such as photos, medical records, and witness statements, to prove there is abuse. It’s key to report your concerns to authorities like adult protective services and consult an attorney specializing in elder law to build a case and seek justice.
Contact Us Today!
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact the Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ, to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area, including Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
