Most families make the decision to move a loved one into a nursing home because they want them to be safe and supported. When something feels “off,” it can be unsettling. An unexplained bruise or a sudden fear of certain staff members can leave you wondering whether your relative is experiencing mistreatment.
If you’re facing those questions, talking with a Maine nursing home abuse lawyer can make a meaningful difference. An attorney can listen to what you’re seeing and guide you through the steps needed to protect your loved one.
Unfortunately, problems in long-term care settings happen more often than many families expect. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that up to 5 million older adults experience some form of harm each year in the United States. Taking action can help keep your family member safe.
Recognizing the warning signs of elder abuse
Many forms of mistreatment aren’t readily apparent, or may be explained away by the abuser as clumsiness or cognitive decline. For example, a senior may experience solely emotional or psychological harassment that may not be visible to the naked eye, but which can have a tremendous effect on your loved one’s quality of life and safety.
Each type of elder abuse comes with unique warning signs; if you recognize any of these in your family member, it’s important to talk to a lawyer right away.
Neglect
Neglect is a common form of abuse, and because it’s not overt, it’s one of the hardest to recognize. It can take many forms, from the facility’s failure to provide proper nutrition or clean clothing to the staff’s failure to attend to the medical and personal care needs of their residents.
If your loved one is being neglected, you may notice sudden weight loss, unexplained bruises (usually from falls, because the person isn’t getting the assistance they need for mobility), or bedsores.
Physical abuse
Hitting, pinching, shoving, and hair-pulling are common types of physical abuse nursing home residents suffer. You may notice your relative suffering an unusual amount of bruising, cuts, or scratches, or even pulled muscles and broken bones. The facility may say that your loved one fell or has trouble with mobility, but if their increased physical harm is accompanied by emotional withdrawal or fear of someone working or living at the facility, it could be a sign of mistreatment.
Sexual abuse
An unexplained genital infection or STI, bleeding from the anus or vagina, or general bruising and swelling around the genital area may indicate sexual abuse. Seniors may not realize it’s happening if they are suffering from severe cognitive decline or are heavily medicated. Some abusers may deliberately over-medicate residents to leave them unable to protest or resist sexual abuse.
Financial exploitation and theft
Financial abuse includes using a resident’s money, assets, or property for personal gain. It can be perpetrated by the facility itself, through overcharging or misappropriation, or by individual staff members. This can also include theft of your loved one’s money or belongings by other residents or visitors.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Threats, yelling, and intimidation are forms of psychological abuse. These may accompany other types of overt harassment because the abuser wants to keep the victim quiet. If you notice personality changes, or if your loved one clams up when you ask about signs of physical or financial abuse, this sort of emotional and psychological intimidation may also be at play.
Risk factors for nursing home abuse
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes several risk factors that may leave an elderly individual more vulnerable to abuse:
- Mental illness
- Lack of social support
- Substance abuse (including past substance abuse issues)
- Physical health problems
- Cognitive decline
Understaffing and poor management of long-term care facilities create conditions in which mistreatment is much more likely to occur. Preventing elder abuse often means starting at the source, by holding facilities and management companies accountable for negligence. However, there are actions you can take specifically to protect your loved one.
Preventing abuse of residents in long-term residential facilities
Knowing how to recognize signs of elder abuse is your first step in preventing it. Visit your loved one as much as you can, and try to vary your visitation times; the facility may “clean up” signs of physical abuse or neglect on days that they know a resident usually receives visitors. Inspect the billing statements from the facility and compare them from month to month, looking for discrepancies or sudden increases in costs. And talk to an attorney experienced in elder abuse claims. They can help you discern whether what you’re seeing in your relative are the normal complications of aging or an indicator of nursing home wrongdoing.
You can help prevent elder abuse
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering mistreatment in a long-term care facility, don’t wait. Knowing the warning signs and risk factors gives you the power to act. With legal guidance and regular involvement, you can prevent elder abuse and hold negligent parties accountable. Call Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online for a consultation.
