Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes are typically for older adults who do not need to be in a hospital but require extra care that a household may not be able to accommodate. The adults are instead cared for by trained nurses, nursing assistants, dieticians, and physical therapists. Though nursing homes are designed to provide utmost care to their residents, the facilities can sometimes be a place of elder abuse instead. Disturbingly widespread, nursing home abuse is a serious issue that can occur to any of your loved ones.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse occurs when trusted employees of a nursing home abuse their position against elderly residents. The abuse against elders is not only limited to physical harm, but it includes emotional and psychological damage, sexual assault, neglect, and financial exploitation as well. Nursing home abuse can ultimately leave elders with deep scars and trauma because of the manipulation and violation of their trust.
What Are the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse?
Though abuse is typically characterized as physical harm, the scope of elder abuse stretches beyond that. There are five main types of elder abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
- Physical: Physical abuse is when nursing home employees inflict pain onto the elderly residents. As a result, the elders may receive cuts, bruises, or even broken bones. Anything that causes injury or intends to cause injury can be classified as physical abuse.
- Emotional: Emotional abuse includes humiliation, fear, threats, gaslighting, manipulation, and more. Anything that causes the elder immense stress and psychological damage can be classified as emotional abuse.
- Sexual: Sexual abuse includes the non-consensual contact of a nursing home employee and the elder. Furthermore, forcing an elder to undress in front of an employee or watch pornographic material can also be classified as sexual abuse.
- Financial: Financial abuse is when employees exploit a senior’s trust by taking advantage of their personal assets. This usually occurs while the elder is in a vulnerable state where they are not able to fully protect themselves.
- Neglect: Neglect is a form of abuse that disregards the needs and importance of a senior citizen. This includes depriving an elder of shelter, food, clothes, and personal relationships. This is usually a result of the caregiver’s carelessness or indifference.
How Prevalent is Nursing Home Abuse?
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 60 elders experience elder abuse. In addition to this disturbing statistic, approximately 1 in 3 nursing homes have been issued citations because of abuse. Evidently, nursing home abuse and elder abuse is alarmingly common but also severely overlooked in our current society.
Looking For an Attorney in Florida?
Our elders are important members of society, and they must be protected whenever possible. If you or a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, our experienced Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Payer Law are here to help. Elder abuse must be taken seriously, and our skilled attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are interested in obtaining more information or scheduling a free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at 866-930-1238 today.
Resource:
who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/elder-abuse
medlineplus.gov/nursinghomes.html
https://www.payerlawgroup.com/how-to-handle-a-slip-and-fall-accident/
