Research and statistics tell us a lot about how common nursing home abuse is. In the United States, approximately one-third of nursing homes had serious violations that might have or did lead to resident harm, according to National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) statistics. Of the 2,000 nursing home residents interviewed:
- 44% identified themselves as victims of abuse
- 95% identified themselves as victims of neglect or witnessed a resident neglected
In addition, over half of nursing home staff members admitted to inflicting some form of abuse or neglect onto the residents in their care. Research indicates six distinct types of abuse common in nursing home settings, which are:
- Physical abuse (29%)
- Sexual abuse (7%)
- Psychological abuse (21%)
- Financial abuse (7%)
- Neglect (14%)
- Resident-to-resident abuse (22%)
Abuse in nursing homes is far too commonplace and causes physical, emotional, and financial harm to a vulnerable and growing portion of the elderly population. If someone you love was abused in their nursing home, you could have financial recovery options.
Dangerous Forms of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Learning that your loved one was victimized in what was supposed to be a trustworthy setting can be emotionally devastating for both of you. Finding out the full extent of the physical and emotional harm they endured can be equally traumatic. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) publication, Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in an Aging America, reports the following forms of abuse in a nursing home:
- Yelling
- Screaming
- Threatening
- Slapping
- Kicking
- Striking
- Neglecting hygiene
- Medical neglect
When you discover abuse in your family member’s nursing home, it is important that you maintain your temper and allow cooler heads to prevail. Instead of confronting nursing home staff and administrators on your own, contact our law firm for help. You and your loved one could be entitled to financial recovery for many of the costs associated with nursing home abuse including:
- Relocation costs
- Medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disability
You may have additional recoverable damages that are specific to your loved one’s case. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney to find out what damages you can recover to help ensure your loved one’s health and safety in the future.
The Mental and Emotional Impact of Abuse in the Elderly
When vulnerable elderly men and women are abused or neglected, the impact can be far more than physical or financial. The physical injuries that result from abuse of the elderly can include:
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Scratches
- Bruises
- Bedsores
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
In extreme cases, nursing home abuse can even lead to resident deaths. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics also cite the mental and emotional damage sustained by nursing home residents.
Whether one time or repeated, abuse in the elderly can leave your parent or spouse afraid, stressed, and humiliated. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in their nursing home, have a frank and open conversation with them. Assure them of their safety, have the conversation in a safe place, and insist on their receiving medical care to treat their physical injuries as soon as possible.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Finding out someone you love is being abused in the nursing home you trusted to take care of them can be devastating. Finding out it has been going on for an extended period of time will only add to your anger and frustration. If you suspect your elderly loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, be on the lookout for these warning signs and symptoms – your loved one:
- Suddenly has trouble sleeping
- Seems unusually unhappy
- Seems disoriented or nervous
- Starts losing weight quickly
- Starts self-isolating
- Has unexplained bruises
- Is unclean or unkempt
- Has unexplained bedsores
If you notice these warning signs, get immediate medical attention, and move your loved one to a safe location. After you are sure your loved one is receiving medical care for their injuries, contact the office of a nursing home abuse lawyer to find out how you can recover from the financial impact of elder abuse in a nursing home.
Contact the Office of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Learn More Today
Nursing home abuse is common enough to warrant careful monitoring of your elderly parent or spouse. If they have otherwise unexplained cuts, scrapes, or bruises, or if they are suddenly sullen or afraid, get to the root of their behavior as soon as possible.
If someone you love was abused in their nursing home, do not hesitate to take immediate action. First, move your loved one to a safe location and ensure they get medical and emotional assistance. Then contact the law firm of The Kryder Law Group, LLC by calling (312) 223-1700 immediately.
(312) 223-1700