How To Identify Physical Abuse
- bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks
- bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures
- open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing
- sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding
- broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained
- laboratory findings of medication overdose or underutilization of prescribed drugs
- an elders report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated
- an elders sudden change in behavior
- the caregivers refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone
Who Can I Sue For Nursing Home Abuse
A resident can hold a nursing home accountable for any type of nursing home abuse through legal recourse.
A nursing home is responsible for the treatment and well-being of its patients within the premises, regardless of who perpetuates the abuse.
A resident or their family can sue the nursing home for injuries due to abuse, abandonment, and negligence done by staff if:
- The employee is acting within the scope and conduct of employment at that time
- The nursing home failed to inform the resident that an individual was not an employee of the nursing home
Signs Of Physical Abuse
Typically, the first place to check for signs of abuse is on the seniors body. Physical abuse may present as:
- Avoiding detection of abuse by using different emergency rooms
- History of hospitalizations for similar injuries
Also, note any physical injuries and whether they heal properly. An older person may be suffering abuse if their wounds do not heal or new injuries appear. Nursing home patients with advanced stages of pressure sore injuries, particularly stage 4 bedsores, are at a high risk, and these types of injuries are avoidable when proper care is administered. We urge those who suspect nursing home abuse or elder abuse to seek professional medical advice from a trusted physician.
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Warning Signs Of Emotional Abuse
Like neglect, emotional abuse is difficult to recognize. It often takes a keen and concerned third party to identify the signs of emotional abuse in a senior.
Possible warning signs include:
- Extreme dislike of a particular caregiver
- Residents who are upset or agitated
- Withdrawal in previously outgoing seniors
What Is Considered Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, with neglect and physical abuse serving as just a few examples. In this article, you will learn what nursing home abuse is, become more familiar with the different types that exist, and find out what steps you can take if you think your loved one is being treated poorly or receiving substandard care in the facility where they are living.
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Common Signs Of Physical Abuse In Nursing Homes
Once you know what to look for, it is easier to determine whether an elderly resident is being physically harmed.
Common signs of physical abuse include:
- Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, or rope marks
- Bone fractures, broken bones, or skull fractures
- Open wounds, cuts, or wounds that do not heal
- Sprains or dislocations
- Medication overdoses or under-utilization of prescribed drugs
- Changes in behavior
- Elderly person reports being hit, slapped, or otherwise injured
If you notice any of these signs of abuse, it is important to take action and ask for additional help.
Nursing Home Abuse Causes
There are many reasons why elder abuse occurs in nursing homes and care facilities. Typically, it occurs when caregivers are unfit to help older people.
When nursing home employees are not adequately trained, they can become easily frustrated and stressed. While many employees have healthy coping methods, some take out their stress by harming the residents.
Chronic staff shortages can also make abuse more likely. Without adequate staffing, nursing home residents cannot get the necessary care and attention. Over time, chronic neglect can cause many long-term physical and emotional issues.
Did You Know?
The bottom line is that no matter the causes of nursing home abuse, it is always dangerous and unacceptable.
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How To Report Nursing Home Abuse
It is crucial to speak up if you or your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Bringing your concerns to the proper authorities may allow healing to begin and justice to be served.
Additionally, nursing home facilities that are held accountable are more likely to take action, helping keep future residents safe.
The first thing to remember is to always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
You might not know for sure if a nursing home residents injuries stem from abuse. In these cases, you can contact your states branch of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or APS.
These agencies check on the welfare of nursing home residents to see if they are being abused.
Have you noticed signs of nursing home abuse? Contact us today by calling .
Next Steps For Those Harmed By Nursing Home Abuse
All types of nursing home abuse are unacceptable. Thankfully, there are steps you can take if an older resident you love has been harmed in a nursing home.
You can:
Our team of skilled advocates can recommend next steps after abuse or neglect. Get a free case review right now to start the process.
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What Are Signs Of Elder Financial Abuse
The National Institute on Aging reports that financial abuse can be difficult to spot. However, the American Association of Retired Persons lists signs that indicate possible financial abuse of your loved one:
- They cant remember important financial matters or transactions
- Changes in spending behavior
- Securities, cash, and other valuables that disappear
- Giving a new person control of their finances
Neglect In Nursing Homes
Neglect refers to ignoring an elder and not providing them with the care they need. Neglect is very serious, and in a worst-case scenario, it can lead to death.
If you suspect that your loved one may be facing neglect, here are some of the signs you need to watch for.
- Signs of malnutrition such as weight loss or dehydration
- Bed sores or other untreated physical issues
- Unsanitary conditions such as dirty sheets, soiled clothing, or body odors from not being bathed
- Unsafe living conditions
Neglect can be an active form of abuse in cases where an attendant is purposefully ignoring or neglecting a certain resident, but it can also be passive where the nursing home is simply not filling its role as caretaker. In both cases, the nursing home is liable for the abuse. They are obligated to take care of the people in their care.
If you believe that you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, you need to act quickly. Nursing homes often hide information to shield themselves from liability, and the sooner you act the better. To learn more, contact Mazow | McCullough, PC today. We have helped many clients get the justice they deserve after a case of nursing home abuse.
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Emotional Abuse In Nursing Homes
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, occurs when a resident suffers emotional pain or stress from deliberate acts of malicious and non-physical exploitation.
Its essential to note that emotional abuse doesnt leave visible scars. This makes forms of emotional abuse, like verbal abuse, challenging to recognize.
Subsequently, it makes emotional abuse one of the most common forms of mistreatment in nursing homes.
Some of the different types of emotional abuse include:
- Isolation from other residents or family
- Taking away walkers, canes, hearing aids, and glasses
- Name-calling, yelling, and intimidation
- Limiting resident freedoms such as their access to telephones and transportation
- Giving a resident the silent treatment
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Jul 28, 2022 · Nursing home abuse is any type of harm including physical or emotional injuries, sexual assault, or financial exploitation that comes to elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Families put their trust in nursing homes to watch over their loved ones yet nursing homes dont always provide the safe environments that are expected.. Types of Nursing Home Abuse. No matter the form it takes, abuse in nursing homes involves the deliberate, intentional act that a perpetrator commits against a victim. Physical Abuse. Physical abuse occurs when a staff person, family member, resident, or other individual makes physical contact with the victim. The touch is often offensive. If you suspect nursinghome negligence in Maryland, you should call a lawyer who specializes in nursinghome lawsuits. But if you suspect abuse, you need to report that to protect your loved one and others. You should call the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality at 410-402-8108.
Mar 01, 2002 · Identifying abuse. The facility or system develops and maintains a proactive approach to identify events and occurrences that may constitute or contribute to abuse. 4. Training. The facility, during its orientation program and through ongoing training programs, provides all employees with information regarding abuse, including prevention,.
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The National Center of Elder Abuse identifies seven different typesofnursinghomeabuse and neglect. Below, we discuss each one in detail and warning signs that you may use to identify such acts. Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional or Psychological Abuse Financial Exploitation Material Exploitation Neglect Abandonment Self-Neglect. The definitions, indicators and typesofabuse apply to both older adults and adults 18 and older with any disability. Abuse can occur in a person’s own home or in a community living arrangement such as assisted living settings, personal care homes or nursinghomes. Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of at risk adults in georgia. 7 Types of Abuses 1. Emotional Abuse. When an elderly person is emotionally abused in a nursing home situation they are usually isolated… 2. Sexual Abuse. Sexual contact. Injuries from nursinghomeabuse are often severe and may include: Slip, Trips, and Falls Physical Abuse Mental Abuse Sexual Abuse Malnutrition Bedsores Dehydration Wandering Restraints Neglect Unexplained Injuries Infections Unexpected Death NursingHome Slip & Fall Injuries.
In this blog, we discuss some of the most common types of neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities. Free Consultation | No Fee Until We Win 671-1110 .
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What Possible Actions Can We Take Against Abuse
Residents at nursing homes cannot care for their own needs and are at a chance of getting abused and neglected by the very people supposed to care for them. Spotting the signs of abuse and reporting abuse in nursing homes can free seniors from their miserable situation.
Reporting the abuse to Adult Protective Services can help the victim come forward and pursue legal compensation. Dont hesitate to call 911 if a nursing home resident is in immediate danger.
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How Can You Help
If you suspect abuse and believe someones life is in danger, first call local law enforcement. If the danger is not immediate, report your suspicions to the local Adult Protective Services agency.
Using this information and intuition to recognize signs of abuse can help protect those you love, especially those who are fearful or cannot communicate effectively.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, please contact the experienced attorneys at the law office of Timberlake & League. We can help.
If You Recognize Abuse Contact Our Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today
Our nursing home negligence attorneys have years of experience handling a wide variety of elder neglect and abuse cases. We are prepared to pursue compensation for you or your loved one through civil litigation and work with the police if criminal charges are necessary. Through a personal injury claim, your loved one may be able to receive:
- Medical Expenses
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish
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Sexual Nursing Home Abuse
Sexual abuse can range from verbal abuse of a sexual nature to rape, and sadly, the entire gamut of sexual abuse can take place in nursing homes. Residents may be subject to abuse from caretakers, other residents, and even strangers.
The nursing home is obligated to screen employees and deal with abuse allegations, but beyond that, nursing homes should monitor residents with previous histories of sexual violence and make sure that unattended strangers cannot get into their facilities.
If your loved one is exhibiting any of the following signs, they may be the victim of sexual abuse in their nursing home:
- Unexplained blood stains on sheets or nightclothes
- Ripped sheets or clothing
- Unexplained pain while sitting or complaints of pain in the pelvic region
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding or burning
- Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases or genital infections
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- A sense of fear or anxiety when certain staff or residents are nearby
- A sudden increase in self-soothing behavior such as rocking back and forth or regressive behaviors such as thumb sucking
Sexual abuse can be one of the hardest types of nursing home abuse for many residents to report. They may feel that they have somehow caused the abuse, or they may be embarrassed to talk about sexual encounters in general.
How Can Types Of Elder Abuse Be Prevented
The many types of elder abuse can be prevented in different ways. For example, the CDC recommends checking in with older people especially if other family members or loved ones may not live close by.
Further, both the WHO and CDC recommend reporting possible cases of elder or nursing home abuse to senior justice hotlines. These include 911, the phone number for your local APS office, and more.
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How To Identify Abuse
Abuse and neglect within nursing homes can be difficult to detect. However, it is not impossible if you know the signs of nursing home abuse. If your elderly loved one is living in a long-term care facility, look out for these red flags:
- Skin conditionsIf your loved one constantly has paper thin and dry skin, this may be a sign of dehydration. If you notice rashes, scrapes, and bruises, this can be a sign of lack of proper hygiene and physical abuse. Bedsores are almost always a clear indication of substandard care.
- Weight lossIf your loved one has lost a great deal of weight while living at the facility, this could be a sign of dehydration, malnutrition, improper diabetes management, and of over-medication.
- Broken bonesBroken bones in elderly residents are not inevitable. The nursing home staff is there to ensure your loved one does not fall or experience other harmful events. If your loved one has suffered from one or more broken bones at a facility, this may be a sign of neglect or abuse.
- Agitation, confusion, or social withdrawalIf your loved one is often agitated, confused, or withdrawn when you visit or becomes increasingly agitated, confused, or withdrawn over time, then this is a sign that something is wrong at the facility. If your family member becomes upset, angry, nervous, bewildered, overly quiet, or entirely non-communicative, look into what is going on and why. Also look for other changes in behavior like rocking, self-harm, or fear of being touched.
What Are The 7 Types Of Nursing Home Abuse
Types of nursing home abuse include:
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What Are Residential Care Facilities
Other than nursing homes, the most common form of residential settings with services for people with disabilities are generically known as board and care homes, or residential care facilities . These terms describe a variety of settings however, in general they refer to nonmedical community-based residential settings that house two or more unrelated adults and provide some services such as meals, medication supervision or reminders, organized activities, transportation, and help with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living . RCFs are known by more than 30 different names, including adult congregate care, personal care homes, homes for the aged, adult care homes, and group homes. In addition, many states have expanded the category of RCFs to include a specific classification known as assisted living .