Nursing home abuse is unfortunately common throughout the United States. Elderly people are subject to mistreatment and neglect at the hands of caregivers, resulting in serious physical, emotional, and financial harm.
People who are being abused may be reluctant to share this information with their families. If you suspect that a loved one is suffering mistreatment, keep an eye out for key signs of nursing home abuse and seek help as soon as you can.
Signs of Physical Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home staff members can commit acts of physical violence toward residents, such as pushing, kicking, and hitting. These acts are types of physical abuse.
It can be difficult to know whether physical abuse is occurring, as many elderly people do not feel comfortable divulging this information to loved ones. However, common signs of this abuse include the following.
Broken bones and fractures
Bruises, burns, or welts
Cuts and lacerations
Head and dental injuries
Signs of Psychological Nursing Home Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse occurs when someone intentionally harms and elderly person’s mental wellness. It can involve name calling, yelling, taunting, or manipulation. While emotional abuse does not leave physical injuries, it can be incredibly harmful.
Spotting emotional abuse can be challenging. However, common signs include the following.
The onset of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Unexplained aggressive or violent behavior
Low self-esteem or self confidence
Suicidal ideations or attempted suicide
Signs of Financial Nursing Home Abuse
Financial abuse is extremely common in nursing homes. This mistreatment involves a staff member misappropriating or stealing funds, assets, or even social assistance from a resident. In some cases, abusers even tamper with wills or accounts for their own financial gain.
Signs of financial abuse include the following.
New changes to a will or power of attorney
Unexplained loss of cash or property
The opening of new credit cards or bank accounts
Unusual transactions or charges
Signs of Sexual Nursing Home Abuse
Across the United States, there are many reports of nursing home staff members sexually abusing their residents. Sexual abuse includes any type of unwanted, non-consensual sexual activity.
Some of the most common signs of sexual nursing home abuse include the following.
Bed sores or pressure ulcers
Malnutrition or dehydration
Poor hygiene
Unwashed clothes or bedsheets
New or worsening diseases and infections
Unexplained weight loss
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect is also common in nursing homes. This type of mistreatment occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide for a resident’s basic needs, such as hygiene, food, water, or medication.
Signs of nursing home neglect include the following.
Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Inappropriate behavior from staff members
Bruising, bleeding, or welts in the genital area
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Being Abused at a Nursing Home
In Georgia, nursing homes have a duty to take good care of their residents and keep them safe from harm. Unfortunately, not all staff members uphold these responsibilities. If you believe that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, it is critical to seek help as soon as possible.
After getting your loved one to safety, contact a nursing home abuse attorney in Augusta to discuss your legal options. Your lawyer can carefully evaluate your loved one’s case and strategize your optimal path to healing.
