Nursing home abuse is alarmingly common. In the United States, studies show that 1 in 5 older adults has experienced some form of elder abuse, especially those living in long-term care facilities. Even more concerning, experts estimate that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse or neglect is ever reported.
If you believe a loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, a New Hampshire nursing home abuse lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon can help. Our team has years of experience standing up for nursing home residents and holding care facilities accountable.
What are the most common forms of abuse in nursing homes?
Abuse in nursing facilities can take many forms. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), these are the most common:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, or using restraints, often causing bruises, cuts, or broken bones.
- Emotional abuse: Verbal insults, threats, or isolation that causes fear, anxiety, or depression.
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs like food, hygiene, or medical treatment, leading to bedsores, infections, or malnutrition.
- Financial exploitation: Stealing money, using bank accounts without permission, or tricking residents into giving away valuables.
- Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact, especially serious in cases where the resident cannot give consent.
Both staff members and other residents can be responsible for abuse. Sadly, family members can also be perpetrators in some cases. Abuse often happens because of staff shortages, poor training, or a lack of supervision.
Why does nursing home abuse often go unreported?
Many residents cannot report abuse because of health conditions like dementia or because they are afraid. Some are isolated or too dependent on their caregivers to speak up. Even when residents do report abuse, their complaints might be ignored or dismissed.
That’s why it’s important for family members to watch for warning signs and speak up if something feels wrong. Abuse that goes unreported can continue and get worse over time.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Physical warning signs can include unexplained bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries. If your loved one has broken bones, burns, or develops bedsores, these may indicate that they are not receiving proper care or are being physically harmed. Repeated falls, especially under similar circumstances, can also point to neglect or poor supervision.
Changes in mood or behavior are also important to watch for. If your loved one becomes withdrawn, anxious, or unusually quiet, this could be a response to emotional abuse or fear of certain staff members. You might also notice strained interactions between the resident and their caregiver or tension when particular staff members are nearby.
Neglect may show up in poor hygiene, weight loss, signs of malnutrition or dehydration, or unattended medical needs. If your loved one appears unclean, disoriented, or is not receiving needed medication, these are serious red flags that should be addressed immediately.
Financial abuse, though less visible, can be just as damaging. If you notice sudden changes in your loved one’s financial situation, like unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, or unusual charges, it’s worth investigating further. Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, especially in long-term care settings.
Any one of these signs may warrant concern, but multiple signs occurring together should never be ignored.
Can nursing homes be held responsible for abuse?
Yes. Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide proper care to their residents. If they fail to live up to that duty, whether through neglect, abuse, or an absence of necessary precautions, they can be held responsible for the harm they caused.
At Shaheen & Gordon, we help families take legal action against nursing homes that put their residents in harm’s way. This can include claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
Get help for your loved one today
No one should suffer mistreatment in a nursing home. If your loved one has experienced abuse in a nursing facility, you may be able to take legal action and help prevent others from being harmed.
Our team at Shaheen & Gordon has helped many families fight for justice and hold negligent care facilities accountable. Call (800) 451-1002 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here to help protect your loved one and guide your family forward.
