Signs of Abuse

Abuse is not always obvious. In many cases, it develops gradually or occurs behind closed doors. Knowing the warning signs can help protect your loved one.

Common forms of nursing home abuse include:

Neglect: Neglect is the only type of nursing home abuse that can occur unintentionally. Neglect could include failure to provide necessary medical care or support, failure to meet residents’ basic needs, and allowing them to live in dirty conditions. 

Physical abuse: Physical abuse could include using unnecessary restraints, hitting, shoving, pinching, or employing force.   

Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse could vary from provocative comments to assault. Sometimes, sexual abuse involves caretakers and nursing home staff. Other times, it can result from interactions between residents. 

Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse could include threats, intentional embarrassment, and other actions that make the resident scared of the perpetrator.

Nursing home administrators have a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care for residents. When they fail to do so, injuries are likely. Because of their age and medical conditions, residents generally require a high level of attention, support, and care. Even when negligence occurs unintentionally – often because of understaffing, poor training, or overcrowding—it is preventable, and the facility administration is legally liable. Contact our team today for a free consultation.