Recognizing Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes

 Posted on October 13, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing home abuse is a reprehensible issue that affects vulnerable elderly residents who rely on these facilities for care, comfort, and support. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), approximately one in 10 nursing home residents in this country experiences some form of abuse. Unfortunately, various forms of abuse can occur within nursing homes, causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm to the residents.

The following are the most frequent types of abuse. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer immediately.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the intentional use of force to cause harm to a nursing home resident. There are a number of different types of physical abuse that can be inflicted on a resident. Examples include slapping, hitting, restraining, pushing, or using excessive force during caregiving activities. It can result in bruises, fractures, cuts, or other visible injuries. Sometimes, signs of physical abuse may be hidden, such as unexplained injuries or sudden changes in a resident's behavior.

Perpetrators of physical abuse may include staff members, fellow residents, or even visitors to the facility. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse due to their frailty and dependence on caregivers.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse involves behaviors that inflict emotional distress, fear, or mental anguish on nursing home residents. This form of abuse can be less visible but equally damaging. It includes actions such as verbal insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, and threats.

Signs of emotional abuse may manifest as changes in the resident's behavior, such as anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or a sudden decline in cognitive function. Perpetrators of emotional abuse can be staff members, other residents, or even family members who visit the facility.

Neglect

Neglect of residents occurs when the very people entrusted to care for them fail to provide them with that care and attention they need.  Nursing home neglect can take many forms, including:

• Basic needs neglect - Failing to provide food, water, clothing, or appropriate hygiene.

• Medical neglect - Not administering medications correctly, delaying medical treatment, or ignoring residents' health concerns.

• Personal hygiene neglect - Neglecting bathing, toileting, or cleaning residents.

• Emotional neglect - Ignoring residents' emotional needs, social isolation, or not addressing their requests for assistance.

Neglect can lead to severe health complications, including malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, infections, and a decline in overall physical and mental health.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation is a type of abuse where caregivers or staff members exploit nursing home residents financially. This can involve stealing money, personal property, or manipulating residents into signing over assets, wills, or power of attorney. Perpetrators may also engage in identity theft, use residents' credit cards, or fraudulently access their bank accounts.

Contact a Lake County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer 

Preventing and addressing nursing home abuse is crucial for protecting vulnerable residents. Family members and loved ones should remain vigilant for signs of abuse, including unexplained injuries, emotional distress, changes in behavior, or sudden declines in health.

Reporting suspicions of abuse to nursing home management, relevant authorities, and a Lake Zurich, IL nursing home abuse attorney is critical for holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Call Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers at 847-721-2499 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.