Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is the first step in helping your loved one and shedding light on the facilities that allow abuse to happen. There are several types of nursing home abuse and neglect, and sadly, many residents suffer more than one. It is important to know how different forms of abuse manifest and what warning signs to watch for.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home and you suspect abuse or neglect, our Manchester nursing home abuse lawyers can help you get justice and fair compensation to help move your loved one somewhere safer.
How common is nursing home abuse?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in six seniors aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse in a community setting; the WHO notes that the rate of abuse is higher in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It also reports that two in three staff members have reported committing abuse in the past year.
Given the prevalence of abuse in institutional care facilities, it is important to know how to spot nursing home abuse and what you can do about it.
Signs of physical abuse
Visible injuries are the main indicator of physical abuse in a long-term care setting, and can range from bruises to broken bones. Look for unexplained welts, cuts, or bruising, especially in areas where it wouldn’t make sense that your loved one got hurt due to clumsiness. Other indications of physical abuse include signs of restraint, such as rope marks or broken glasses.
Long-term care facilities may try to explain physical injuries as a consequence of your loved one’s older age and clumsiness, or as a result of them trying to do more than they’re capable of.
Signs of psychological and emotional abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse consists of verbal and non-verbal behaviors intended to hurt or humiliate someone. It may accompany physical abuse and take the form of intimidation or threats.
Look for changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as being withdrawn, increased agitation or anxiety that isn’t consistent with their current condition, or fear of specific individuals at the facility.
Indications of financial abuse
Financial abuse involves one person misusing or appropriating a resident’s money, deposited funds, property, or other assets for their personal gain. This can cover anything from a nursing home overcharging residents to theft (either by staff, other residents, or property visitors), or “con schemes” perpetrated by swindlers.
Check your loved one’s credit card statements and bank accounts regularly, as well as the monthly financial statements from their care facility. Look for unusual transactions, large cash withdrawals, or changes to their billing that you have not requested, particularly if there have been no changes to their services.
Review your loved one’s estate plan, too. If there are changes or new bequests to someone you don’t recognize, your loved one may have been taken advantage of, or someone may have exerted undue influence over them to change their will.
Signs of neglect
Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to properly attend to the needs of a resident, including failing to provide proper medical care, withholding food or water, or not turning a bed-bound patient to prevent bedsores.
Look for changes in your loved one’s overall health, like sudden weight loss or dehydration. You may notice poor hygiene, long fingernails, dirty clothing, or soiled bed linens.
Signs of sexual abuse
Sexual abuse in long-term care facilities can be perpetrated by a staff member, other residents, or by visitors to the facility. Any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, including harassment or assault, may constitute sexual abuse.
Victims may become withdrawn or fearful of specific people in the facility. If your loved one contracts an STI, that may be an indication that they have been abused. Other signs include torn undergarments and bleeding or bruising around the genital area.
What you can do if you suspect nursing home abuse
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, talk to an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. They can help you unobtrusively gather evidence and connect you with the right agencies to report your concerns.
Your loved one has the right to file a claim for damages against the facility, seeking compensation for necessary medical care and other losses. We know that the money you receive cannot undo what happened to your loved one, but the settlement you receive can help move them somewhere safer and cover any necessary medical care to heal from the abuse.
Know the signs and take action
Are you worried about the living conditions or possible abuse your family members may be suffering in a nursing home or other long-term care community? Call Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online for a consultation.
