A victim of elder abuse suffers immensely. A study found a troubling correlation between abuse and an increased risk of depression. Abused elders are also significantly more likely to experience physical injuries and premature death. Seeking nursing home abuse help is so important. It can protect your loved one’s well-being and potentially save their life.

The family of an abused elder is another casualty in this crime. Witnessing or suspecting abuse of a loved one can cause immense stress, anxiety, and guilt. They may struggle with feelings of helplessness and anger in the face of such a violation.

Nonetheless, with the help of the top nursing home abuse lawyers, they can not only put a stop to the abuse but also bring the culprit to book.

Society as a whole feels the ripple effect of elder abuse in several ways. Healthcare costs across the country go up by billions of dollars each year because of it. Just to put a number on it, the National Adult Protective Services Association estimates the cost in the US alone to be a whopping $6.7 billion annually.

Common types of abuse in nursing homes

Here are some of the most common types of abuse that seniors face in nursing homes:

Neglect

This is the most common type of abuse, and it occurs when staff fail to meet a resident’s basic needs. This can include neglecting hygiene, medication management, hydration, or nutrition.

The signs of neglect might be dehydration, bedsores, malnutrition, or even excessive weight loss. Residents rely on staff for these basic needs, and their absence can have serious health consequences.

Physical Abuse

This might seem obvious, but it can be surprisingly subtle. It includes hitting, kicking, pinching, or restraining residents unnecessarily.

Sometimes, even unintended rough handling while transferring a resident can be considered physical abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is often the most overlooked, but its impact on seniors can be profound and even devastating. It includes yelling, insults, humiliation, threats, or isolating residents from loved ones.

Seniors who are victims of this may suffer depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. Emotional abuse can be tricky to detect, but watch for changes in behaviour, like sudden fearfulness, loss of appetite, or social withdrawal.

Financial abuse

Some individuals within the home might make it a mission to become close to these seniors in a bid to malign them into misusing their funds or even changing their will. They might even steal the personal belongings of the said senior.

Financial abuse is often detected by going through financial statements for unauthorised charges. Does the resident have unexplained new “gifts” or changes to their will? These could be signs of financial exploitation.

Sexual abuse

This is the least reported type of abuse, likely due to fear and shame. Residents with dementia are particularly vulnerable because the culprit considers them the most unstable, so even their report would not be considered credible.

You can look for signs of physical injury, unexplained bleeding, or changes in behaviour towards carers. Bruising around the genitals is another red flag to be wary of.

How to report a nursing home abuse situation

There are several ways to report suspected abuse, depending on the situation’s severity and your comfort level. In emergencies where your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Every state has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency that investigates elder abuse reports. You can find their contact information through your state’s APS hotline or the Department of Aging.

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for nursing home residents who investigate complaints and work to resolve them within the facility. You can find their contact information online or through your state’s Department of Aging. 

Reporting concerns directly to the nursing home administrator might be an option, but not if you suspect they’re involved or might not take action. Finally, if you believe a crime has been committed, file a report with the local police department.

Tim Fawnshaw, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.