What Are Some Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse?

Abuse to the more than two million individuals residing in nursing homes, assisted living centers, or other elderly care facilities nationwide is not an uncommon occurrence. This is the case despite the significant efforts in recent years by state and federal government officials to prevent and reduce the incidences of abuse in these facilities. While all types of abuse can occur in this setting, there are some common types of abuse that occur in these facilities nationwide.

For instance, physical abuse can occur in various forms. A nursing home resident may suffer bruises, contusions, and even broken bones from falls while being left unattended, being unjustly restrained, or simply being handled roughly by staff members. When staff do not adequately care for and neglect residents, they can suffer from bedsores, dehydration, and other medical conditions.

Likewise, emotional abuse can occur when staff members or other residents make any communications that result in unreasonable and unnecessary emotional pain. Emotional abuse also can take the form of ignoring a resident’s verbal requests, making fun of the resident, or failing to meet the resident’s general needs as they arise.

Financial exploitation is another type of abuse that unfortunately can occur in the context of a nursing home or elder care facility. Staff members may purposely misuse resident funds or take property that belongs to residents. Bank account and credit card also can occur, as staff members have access to residents who may be particularly vulnerable.

Sexual abuse also occurs with frightening regularity in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Because residents are often incapacitated or particularly susceptible to this type of abuse while residing in these care facilities, sexual abuse often goes unnoticed for lengthy periods of time.

If you or a loved one is seriously injured as a result of any type of abuse while residing in a nursing home or residential facility, or your family has suffered the loss of a loved one as a result of abuse by facility staff, you may be entitled to compensation. This inquiry involves determining which party or entity was at fault for the accident, acted negligently, or otherwise caused the conditions that led to your injuries or your loved one’s death. At Boller & Vaughan, our Madison elder abuse lawyers can help you with these determinations, and support you through any personal injury or wrongful death claims that you may have.