5 Common Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nearly 1 in every 6 people over the age of 60 are abused within a supposedly safe and familiar community.
We know that this number is likely a lot higher than you expected, but elder abuse is a very real concern.
It’s especially prevalent in nursing homes.
If you’re considering placing a loved one in senior care, or if you already have a family member in a nursing home/assisted living facility, you need to know the types of abuse in nursing homes to watch out for.
1. Elder Physical Abuse
One of the most well-known types of elder abuse is physical assault.
Common signs of physical abuse include unexplained scratches or bruises, fractures or broken bones, and a sudden change in behavior in the elder.
The elder may also be intentionally given an overdose of their medication, be hit with an object, or even choked by someone in the facility.
2. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes means that staff or other residents are having sexual relations with the elder without their consent. This includes the assault of elders who are not capable of giving consent.
If you suspect a caregiver has been sexually abusing the elder you love, contact the Law Offices of Roger S. Weinberg immediately to discuss next steps.
3. Elder Financial Abuse
Financial abuse of the elderly is one of the most common types of abuse in nursing homes and beyond.
A nurse may steal cash from the elder, use their credit cards without their knowledge or permission, or even intentionally confuse and mislead the elder into giving them money.
Theft, abusing any power of attorney privileges and making changes to a will or legal document are other examples of financial abuse.
4. Emotional Abuse
Emotional elder abuse is especially devastating.
A supposed caregiver may tease, insult, manipulate, humiliate, or threaten the elder.
They may be intentionally isolated from others, given the silent treatment, and intimidated into silence.
5. Neglect and Abandonment
The elderly person in care may also be intentionally neglected.
This means denying them medication, time to socialize, and even the chance to leave their room. The elder may not be fed, may not be helped with daily hygiene needs, and more.
They may also be abandoned in a public place and left to “fend for themselves”.
This is especially dangerous, as the elder may not have a way to get home or a means of contacting loved ones for help.
It’s Time to Stop All Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Reading about the types of abuse in nursing homes is difficult and painful.
In order to prevent these horrible things from happening to your aging loved one, do as much research as possible on any care facility ahead of time.
Above all, listen to and trust the elder.
Believe what they tell you, and look for signs of elder abuse.
Want to learn more about the legal action you can take to protect and defend your elder? Continue to read our blog to learn more about your next steps.