Elder abuse in nursing homes is a harsh reality affecting numerous seniors today. This despicable act often remains undisclosed and may subject the victim to severe physical, emotional, and financial damages that should not be ignored or taken lightly.
Recognizing their available options for seeking assistance is vital for the victims and families. Various forms of nursing home abuse can occur, such as emotional mistreatment, neglect, physical harm, or financial exploitation; nevertheless, there are supportive resources to provide help and aid.
Different Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
Here are some of the different forms of nursing home abuse and outcomes that can occur.
Bed Sores
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, can cause severe pain, infection, and death. These can result from neglect and improper medical care.
Physical Abuse
The use of physical force against elders through actions such as punching, slapping, kicking, or misuse of restraints can cause severe injuries, including bruises and even broken bones. The signs may be visible to others, but victims are often too scared to report the abuse. Although this is a glaring form of elder abuse that we can easily identify, it’s important for us to create safe environments where older adults feel comfortable reporting any type of mistreatment without fear.
Emotional Abuse
This type of abuse is a silent killer that can weaken a person’s sense of self-worth and dignity. It can manifest in numerous ways, from verbal assaults, threats, and humiliations to isolating the resident. Evidence of emotional abuse can be psychological trauma, depression, or anxiety and may potentially lead to self-harm or worse.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is when the passing of an elderly person occurs as a result of abuse and neglect, which could have been prevented. It is a tragic outcome of nursing home abuse and is a serious matter that requires immediate attention.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is another form of nursing home abuse in which the abuser takes advantage of the elderly person’s finances for their own gain. This can happen through identity theft, coercion to change their estate plan or will, and even outright stealing.
Neglect
Neglect is a form of abuse that involves denying or ignoring an elder’s basic needs, such as adequate food, clothing, and medical care. It can also include failing to provide proper hygiene or medication, resulting in serious health consequences.
Available Resources for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
Taking action upon suspecting elder abuse is critical. There are several valuable options for victims and their relatives to seek support, such as utilizing Adult Protective Services, Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, state health departments, or approaching local law enforcement agencies.
Even organizations like nursinghomelawcenter.org provide legal services and resources to victims of elder abuse in nursing homes. Furthermore, it’s important to seek support from counselors or therapists who can provide emotional and mental health support for the victim.
Legal Options for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Victims of nursing home abuse have legal options available to them. These options include working with a personal injury attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse cases to pursue compensation for damages. Receiving the right legal advice can ensure that justice is served and the abuser is held accountable for their actions.
A lawyer can help navigate the legal system, file a complaint with the appropriate government agencies and take legal action against nursing homes that fail to provide adequate care. Making sure you get the maximum compensation for damages suffered can also assist in addressing the financial burden associated with nursing home abuse.
Conclusion
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that can result in detrimental physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the elderly. It is important for victims and their loved ones to take action when abuse is suspected in nursing homes.
Neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation are some of the types of nursing home abuse. However, there are resources and legal options available to help victims of nursing home abuse.
It is essential to provide victims of nursing home abuse and their families with the necessary support and guidance by utilizing resources such as Adult Protective Services, the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, or legal services that specialize in cases of elder mistreatment. Detecting any signs of nursing home abuse requires immediate action to prevent further harm and seek appropriate help.
