Nursing home neglect is defined as the refusal or failure of a caregiver to fulfill their obligations toward older adults. Comparatively, nursing home abuse occurs when caregivers intentionally physically or emotionally harm the residents.
Nursing home neglect and abuse is becoming a rapidly growing issue, caused by various reasons, such as inadequate staffing, lack of background checking when hiring caretakers, and poor training.
If you suspect your loved one is being subjected to neglect or abuse in their nursing home, it is necessary to take legal action. Nursing home neglect can take various forms, and understanding their types can help you make an informed decision.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on nursing home neglect and abuse, its types, and why you should seek professional help:
Physical Neglect
When a caretaker fails to take care of a resident’s basic living and physical needs, it constitutes as physical neglect. This can include insufficient food and water, failing to change the resident’s bed sheets, failing to assist them with personal hygiene, and failing to provide fresh clothes.
Signs of physical neglect may include:
- Dehydration
- Bed sores
- Unexplained weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Untreated medical conditions
Monitor your loved one’s physical well-being and encourage them to share how the staff behaves.
If your loved one is living at a nursing home in a different U.S. city than you, things can get tricky. You might not be able to visit your loved ones as often or fail to understand their legal rights in their city of residence. In such situations, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a world of difference.
Nursing home neglect attorneys are well-versed in city-specific laws. If your loved one is living at a nursing home in Las Vegas, consider working with a team of Las Vegas nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys to ensure fair compensation.
Physical Abuse
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 9% of nursing home caretakers admitted to physically abusing residents in 2024. In addition to this staggering statistic, there are thousands of cases that are never reported.
Examples of physical abuse might include being punched, kicked, shoved, or put in restraints without probable cause. Unexplained injuries, such as bruises or cuts, are common signs of physical abuse in nursing homes. More severe consequences include:
- Concussions
- Spinal injuries
- Brain bleeds
- Broken bones
Any nursing home resident can be subjected to physical abuse. However, those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, are often targeted. Physical abuse is a serious offense and must be reported to the relevant authorities.
Medical Neglect
As the name indicates, medical neglect occurs when the nursing home or its staff fails to provide adequate medication and treatment. A negligent staff might delay seeking medical attention for injuries or ignore symptoms of a medical emergency.
Medical neglect is not limited to failing to provide medication. For example, if a care provider doesn’t turn bedridden or patients who use wheelchairs often enough or as per the doctor’s instructions, they are also committing a crime.
Common signs of medical neglect include:
- Untreated infections
- Incorrect dosages
- Poor blood sugar level
- Worsening health conditions
- Unnecessary use of physical restraints
- Administering behavior-modifying medication without a prescription
Stay informed about your loved one’s medical conditions, track their medications, and take active steps to address any signs of mistreatment.
Emotional Neglect and Abuse
Research shows that caregiver burnout directly translates into emotionally abusive behavior towards the residents. Emotional neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide emotional support and a pleasant environment. Comparatively, emotional abuse occurs when a care provider insults a resident and threatens to control them.
Examples of emotional abuse are:
- Controlling a resident’s day-to-day activities against their will.
- Insulting a resident’s appearance.
- Keeping a resident apart from their family or friends.
- Making threats of physical harm if a resident doesn’t stay quiet.
The signs of emotional neglect and abuse overlap. Your loved one might start withdrawing from social activities, experience anxiety and depression, and exhibit changes in behavior. In case of emotional abuse, older adults might suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Financial Exploitation
In addition to emotional abuse, a nursing care provider might take advantage of an elderly person’s finances. Take, for instance, a care provider who might:
- Get access to the resident’s bank account and withdraw money.
- Stealing a resident’s credit or debit cards.
- Stealing a resident’s cash and medication.
- Misuse power of attorney and get involved in the resident’s will.
While not as severe as physical abuse, financial exploitation can hinder a resident’s ability to pay for their medical expenses.
If you notice a pattern of unexplained withdrawals from your loved one’s bank account or missing personal belongings, dig deep and reach out to an experienced attorney to determine the best course of action.
Social Neglect
Community building and communication between residents is critical for living a healthy life as an older adult. Nursing care facilities promise to offer numerous individual and group activities, such as organizing book clubs, game nights, and musical performances, to keep the morale up. However, when a nursing home fails to provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement, it constitutes as social neglect.
Your loved one might exhibit the following signs:
- Emotional detachment
- Isolation
- Sadness and anxiety
- Lack of communication
Sexual Abuse
Did you know that sexual abuse is the least reported type of nursing home abuse? They are often mistaken for physical abuse and are extremely difficult to prove. Nursing home sexual abuse occurs when a resident experiences any form of unwanted sexual abuse, such as kissing, groping, or penetration. Look out for these signs:
- Bruises, lacerations, or cuts
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Unexplained anal bleeding
- Increased anxiety and restlessness
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Sleep disturbances
An older adult who has suffered from sexual abuse might also experience a sense of shame and guilt, which reduces the chances of it being reported.
Seeking Legal Help
Proving your loved one is suffering from any type of nursing home neglect or abuse isn’t easy. From documenting evidence to preparing a case and understanding legal jargon, the process can be long and complicated.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer who specializes in nursing home neglect cases can help you secure financial compensation so your loved one can recover from physical and emotional traumas.
