Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that many nursing home residents face. Whether it is a husband, wife, mother, father, or other relative, it’s important to ensure that they receive proper treatment and care. Being familiar with the common types of nursing home abuse can help to protect nursing home residents and prevent any form of abuse.

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse Include:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is an act of force against a nursing home resident that causes bodily injury, physical pain, or physical impairment. Some examples of physical abuse include pushing, force feeding, hitting, shaking, punching, slapping, kicking, striking, slapping, whipping, burning and unnecessary physical restraint.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

This form of abuse occurs when the nursing home resident is belittled, frightened, rejected, threatened, isolated, or humiliated by the nursing home staff or another resident. Emotional or psychological abuse is harmful and damaging. It can cause anxiety, distress, and emotional pain. It can also lead to physical illness.

Financial Abuse

Elderly nursing home residents are vulnerable to fraud and financial exploitation. Common forms of financial abuse include bank account/credit card account theft, scams, and health care fraud. The following are warning signs of financial abuse:

• Sudden changes in wills or powers of attorney

• Suspicious additions to life insurance policy beneficiaries

• Sudden loss of personal property or money

• Unexpected charges to credit cards, withdrawals of funds from accounts

• Unexpected bills

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when the elder is forced into unwanted sexual activities through, brute force, threats, deception, or taking advantage of an elderly person who lacks the mental capacity to make decisions. The warning signs of sexual abuse include:

• Complaints or reports of injury around genital areas

• Diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

• Stained or torn clothing or bedding

• Unexplained bruises or bleeding around private parts

• Changes in behavior

Neglect

Neglect or abandonment is when the caretaker fails to fulfill their obligations to the elderly individual. Neglect can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, health problems, poor hygiene, untreated injuries, bed sores, poor living conditions, etc.

Contact the Robert P. Ianelli Law Firm
 845-896-4711

If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, contact the Robert P. Ianelli Law Firm. We will hold the parties involved in the nursing home abuse responsible for their actions and recover compensation for your loved one’s mental and physical injuries.