What are the Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes provide a vital service in taking care of our aging loved ones and improving their quality of life. Unfortunately, abuse within these facilities has become quite common and is occurring at an alarming rate.

According to a report published by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), about one in 10 nursing home residents aged 60+ experience different types of elder abuse each year. However, only one in 24 of such cases end up being reported to the authorities.

What Constitutes Elder Abuse?

As defined by the World Health Organization, elder abuse refers to a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It covers all types of actions, willful or unintentional, as long as it involves inflicting physical, mental or emotional anguish on the individual.

Elder abuse can take on many forms but will usually involve mistreatment of any kind, often in the hands of a caregiver or a loved one. Many of these are not easily detected. However, getting to know the different types of abuse in elderly nursing homes is a good first step in recognizing the signs of abuse.

What are the Different Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes?

The following are common types of abuse in nursing homes. It is important to recognize the signs of abuse among elderly patients in order to put a stop to these harmful acts and ensure their rights are protected under the law.

Abandonment

Under Article 2, section 15610-15610.65 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code of 2007, abandonment is defined as “the desertion or willful forsaking of an elder (anyone 65 years of age or older) or dependent adult by anyone having care or custody of that person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would continue to provide care and custody.”

Elder abuse, in this case, occurs when the resident, who needs help from someone else, is forced to fend for themselves even when they lack the physical or mental capacity to do so.

One prime example of this is that of an 88-year-old with dementia who was kicked out of his California nursing home and was dropped off at an unregulated boardinghouse without informing his family. He was found roaming the streets alone less than 24 hours later.

Neglect

Accidental or willful non-provision of an elderly resident’s needs also constitutes a form of abuse under California law. This includes the failure of a caregiver to fulfill their responsibility in providing necessary care and support for the elderly patient.

Neglect can take on many forms:

• Self-neglect refers to the failure or unwillingness of the elderly person to meet their own basic needs and well-being. This is common among residents of a more advanced age or when they have physical and mental limitations.

• General neglect is the refusal to provide for a nursing care patient’s needs for basic necessities, such as food, water, shelter and personal safety measures.

• Medical neglect consists of the failure of staff members to provide the patient with medication, treatment, devices or care they need for their medical condition.

Neglect can occur even in the presence of staff members inside the facility when they lack awareness of the situation, willingness to address the issue, or the resources to provide adequate care. Regardless of the reason, failing to provide the needed care level still constitutes abuse and can be grounds for legal action.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse encompasses all actions that inflict pain or bodily harm. These actions can be intentional, reckless, or negligent.

Actions considered physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, creating conditions to cause bodily injury, allowing the resident to endure physical pain, and using physical or chemical restraints to restrict or prevent movement.

Emotional Abuse

One of the most common types of abuse in nursing homes is emotional abuse, a form abuse that approximately 33% of nursing home residents in the U.S. suffer. It is defined as the “infliction of anguish, pain or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts including but not limited to verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation and harassment.”

These acts may range from seemingly innocuous actions like making fun of residents who make mistakes to outright emotionally abusive acts, such as yelling, creating false narratives, making threats or withholding basic care as a form of punishment.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation is also a form of abuse because it involves manipulation and taking advantage of the elderly person’s current state for personal gain by a person in authority. These acts often involve deception or coercion in order to gain access to the resident’s credit cards, online accounts or other financial assets.

Unfortunately, according to reports by NCEA, about 60% of elder financial abuse involves at least one family member. These cases have an even deeper emotional impact as it constitutes a breach of trust and betrayal, which can erode their sense of security and overall well-being.

Sexual Assault

Sexual abuse among elderly nursing care residents takes on many forms. These can occur when sexual contact is initiated by force, threat of force, taking advantage of the person’s incapacity,No or by other means.

Even when consent has been allegedly given, any form of sexual contact can still be considered abuse when this was coerced or when the individual was not in the right state of mind to provide consent.

Other sexual acts not involving physical contact can still be considered abuse. These can include such acts as the showing of sexually-explicit images or videos, unwanted sexual advances and willful use of inappropriate language of a sexual nature.

Nursing homes can be held liable for sexual abuse even in the absence of direct involvement among staff members. This is true when they cannot adequately protect residents from sexual acts others commit.

What are the Common Signs of Abuse Among Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes?

Elder abuse is a serious problem in nursing homes in the United States. Unfortunately, most cases go unreported because the victims are afraid or unable to tell their family, friends or the authorities about their mistreatment.

If you suspect that a loved one residing in these facilities is being abused, pay attention to the following signs:

• Unexplained bruises anywhere on the body
• Marks on their wrists or ankles
• Drastic changes in their sleep patterns or appetite
• Feelings of uneasiness or anxiety when around staff members
• Withdrawal, depression or isolation
• Poor personal hygiene
• Untreated medical conditions
• Uncharacteristic patterns of usage of credit cards or bank accounts
• Bedsores, bruises, cuts or welts

Take the First Step in Protecting Your Elderly Loved Ones From Abuse in Nursing Homes

Abuse of the elderly in nursing homes is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. It comes in many forms and can have a lasting physical and psychological impact on your loved one. In worse cases, the abuse can lead to a worsening of their existing conditions and premature death.

If you suspect that your elderly loved ones are being mistreated or abused, there are some steps that you can take to protect them. Report the abuse to your local authorities, such as your local police, your county’s Adult Protect Services, or the California Department of Public Health.

You may also pursue legal action against the abusive staff or facility to seek compensation and prevent future patterns of abuse. Get a free case evaluation today to know what you can do to protect your loved ones from elderly abuse and give them the quality of care they need and deserve.