Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home abuse in the United States has turned into an epidemic.
Our seniors and loved ones are at risk of elder abuse each and every day. Nursing home abuse is a difficult issue to face. Elder abuse exists in many forms, many of which may not be evidenced by clear, physical signs. Many victims are frail and vulnerable. As a result, they are often unable to protect themselves or seek needed help. Elder abuse can be difficult to prove once suspicion arises. A sad truth is that a number of nursing home abuse cases go unreported and unpunished.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when physical force is used to cause harm against a victim. This can include hitting, scratching, shoving, biting, and inappropriate use of restraints. Physical elder abuse typically has the most obvious warning signs. For this reason, it may be more plausible to prove physical abuse than other less obvious forms of elder abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional elder abuse occurs when a caregiver or other individual causes emotional distress within a victim. Emotional abuse may result from ridicule and humiliation, intimidation, terrorizing, or ignoring an elder. Demeaning behavior, scapegoating, and blaming are also considered emotional elder abuse.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual elder abuse takes place when non-consensual sexual contact is made with an elder. In many cases, physical and emotional abuse may also play a role. Elders who are sexually abused may be tricked, coerced, manipulated, or forced into sexual contact.
Financial Abuse
Stealing money or personal property are common forms of elder financial abuse. Additionally, financial abuse can occur when a caregiver or other individual tricks or pressures an elder to divulge valuable information, such as bank account and credit card numbers. Financial abuse also occurs when a victim is coerced to modify a deed, will, or trust.
Nursing Home Neglect
Elder neglect, or nursing home negligence, most commonly occurs when a resident does not receive proper medical, physical, or emotional attention. As a result, neglect can pose serious risk of harm to victims. In certain cases, neglect may escalate to physical or emotional abuse.
Taking Action against Elder Abuse
While it may be difficult, taking action against elder abuse may be the only way to stop the mistreatment and prevent others from becoming victims. If the victim is in immediate danger, he or she should be removed from the nursing home facility as soon as possible. After the elderly patient is safe, legal action should be taken against the facility.
Contact us today if your senior loved one has been seriously injured by abuse or neglect at a nursing home. Your initial consultation is free.
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