Different types of nursing home abuse

When families place their loved ones in the care of nursing homes, they expect them to be professional and compassionate. Unfortunately, in some cases, these facilities do something that they are not supposed to do. Nursing home abuse has gotten all too common now. The consequences of abuse can be devastating, leading to physical injuries, emotional trauma and financial ruin.  If you suspect a loved one of yours has been a victim of this, there is no need to stay quiet. A nursing home abuse attorney will be there to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.

The growing issue of nursing home abuse

According to the NCEA National Center for Elder Abuse, approximately one in ten elderly individuals experience some form of abuse with the majority of the cases going unreported. There are a whole lot of factors to blame here. From understaffing to poor regulatory oversight, and everything in between. By understanding the types of abuse and knowing the warning signs can be the first proactive step you can take to protect your loved ones.

Common types of resident abuse in nursing homes

Understanding the various forms of abuse in nursing homes can help families identify the warning signs and take action.

Physical abuse

One of the most common types of nursing home abuse, physical abuse involves the intentional use of force that results in bodily harm, pain or injury to a resident. Things like hitting, pushing, slapping, kicking and more are all included under physical abuse. Such abuse can lead to severe injuries to the resident and even death in more extreme cases. Warning signs:

• Unexplained cuts, bruises or burns
• Fractures or broken bones
• Fearfulness or anxiety around nursing home staff members
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood.

If you are suspecting a loved one has suffered such physical harm, only after finding the answer to the question, how to find the best nursing home abuse lawyers near me can help you explore the legal options and seek justice.

Neglect

This is when the facility fails to provide the adequate care that they were supposed to. This can lead to several health issues like dehydration, malnutrition, and infections. Staff shortages and lack of training often are a huge contributor to neglect. This can have long term consequences like bedsores, cognitive decline and even severe medical complications. Warning signs

• Poor hygiene and unclean living conditions
• Signs of malnutrition or sudden weight loss
• Bedsores or untreated infections
• Lack of assistance with mobility.

Reach out to nursing home neglect attorneys to seek justice for this type of mistreatment and hold those responsible parties accountable.

Sexual assault

A very troubling issue, particularly with facilities that take care of the cognitively impaired, residents are vulnerable to sexual exploitation by their caregivers. Recognizing the signs is very crucial to identifying the abuse. Signs of sexual abuse

• Bruises or bleeding in sensitive areas
• Torn or stained undergarments
• Emotional withdrawal or fearfulness.

A dedicated nursing home abuse law firm can provide all the necessary legal support to pursue justice for the victim.

Emotional abuse

This can include things like intimidation, bullying, harassment humiliation and isolation. Emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression and a decline in the overall well-being of the resident. Emotional abuse can be particularly very dangerous since the signs are not always visible. Red flags of emotional abuse

• Fearfulness in front of the caregivers
• Social withdrawal or reluctance to talk with others
• Signs of humiliation or verbal aggression from staff

You have the law to protect you. And legal professionals at Ilya Law are here to help you address the mistreatment and seek appropriate legal remedies.

Financial exploitation

Another very common form of nursing home abuse, financial exploitation involves stealing money from residents. This can take on many different forms like altering financial documents, forging signatures and something as simple as stealing cash. This particular type of abuse is particularly very damaging because it leaves the elderly resident without the financial means to support their care. Warning signs

• Sudden changes in banking transactions
• Unauthorized use of credit card or bank account
• Missing valuable or cash
• Changes in wills or power of attorney

Catch the culprits before it is too late with the best Phoenix trial consulting firms to get the full insight into how to take legal action against financial exploitation.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when the caregiver decides to desert the resident without any alternative care or supervision, A very devastating form of nursing home abuse, this form of neglect can lead to severe consequences like injury, health decline and even death in some cases. Indicators of abandonment

• Resident left alone for extended periods
• Lack of supervision or assistance with basic needs
• Wandering residents found outside the facility

Suspect abandonment? Seek assistance from Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyers to ensure the responsible parties are held liable.

Self neglect

This happens when the resident is unable to care for themselves. This happens often due to cognitive decline or physical limitations. Although this can occur independently, nursing home staff are at fault as they failed to intervene. Signs of self neglect

• Poor personal hygiene and unclean clothes
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Unmanaged medical conditions

Seek advice from wrongful death lawyers Phoenix and get complete guidance on the legal steps available if self neglect leads to death under the watch of the nursing home.

Conclusion

Do not neglect the issue of nursing home abuse until it is too late. The effects it can leave in its wake can be devastating and can destroy entire families. Stay vigilant and take action at the first sign of trouble. If you believe a loved loved one of yours has suffered any form of abuse, reaching out to Phoenix nursing home neglect lawyers can be the best thing you can do to pursue justice and ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one.