Placing a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. You trust that the facility will provide compassionate, competent care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are far more common than most people realize. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately one in ten Americans aged 60 and older has experienced some form of elder abuse, and abuse in institutional settings such as nursing homes is a significant component of that problem.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, slapping, kicking, restraining, or otherwise causing physical harm to a resident. It can also include the inappropriate use of chemical restraints, such as administering sedating medications to make residents easier to manage rather than for legitimate medical purposes.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse includes verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, and verbal harassment. This form of abuse can be difficult to detect because it does not leave visible marks, but its effects on the victim's mental health and well-being can be profound.

Neglect

Neglect is the most common form of nursing home abuse and occurs when a facility fails to provide adequate care to its residents. This can include failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration, failure to assist with personal hygiene, failure to administer medications properly, failure to prevent and treat bedsores, failure to provide adequate supervision, and failure to maintain a safe and clean living environment.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident's funds, property, or assets. This can range from staff members stealing money or personal items to more sophisticated schemes involving power of attorney or guardianship abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes includes any unwanted sexual contact with a resident. Residents with cognitive impairments such as dementia are particularly vulnerable because they may be unable to consent to sexual contact or to report abuse.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Families should be vigilant for the following warning signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
  • Bedsores or pressure ulcers, especially if they are not being properly treated
  • Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration
  • Poor personal hygiene, soiled clothing, or unsanitary living conditions
  • Sudden changes in behavior, including withdrawal, fear, anxiety, or depression
  • Reluctance to speak openly in the presence of staff
  • Unexplained changes in financial accounts or missing personal items
  • Frequent infections or illnesses
  • Over-sedation or unusual drowsiness
  • Medication errors or missed medications

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, take the following steps:

  • Document everything you observe, including photographs of injuries or conditions
  • Report your concerns to the facility's administration in writing
  • File a complaint with your state's Department of Health and Human Services
  • Contact Adult Protective Services
  • If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911
  • Consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney

Legal Options for Families

Families of nursing home abuse and neglect victims have several legal options, including filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the facility and its staff, reporting violations to state regulatory agencies, and in some cases, pursuing criminal charges against the abusers. Successful lawsuits can result in compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

At Dr. Ted Injury Law, Sarah Mitchell leads our nursing home abuse practice. She has recovered millions of dollars for families of residents who were harmed by nursing home negligence. Contact us at (800) 555-HURT for a free, confidential consultation.