6 Ways an Elderly Can be Abused in a Nursing Home
Nursing home abuse is a severe problem that can lead to injury, pain, and emotional distress. Recently, the US has been focusing on the chronic abuse of older adults and has passed laws to protect them from such abuse. There are several ways that older adults can be abused in nursing homes.
6 Early Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
1. Misuse of Medications
When an older adult begins to have trouble, they may sometimes be given medication that can be dangerous. For example, suppose a patient has been paralyzed and suddenly becomes able to walk. In that case, they may inadvertently go into a nursing home where they will be given medications that can paralyze them again. It is a sign of potentially harmful misuse of drugs. And due to the severity of this issue, you should contact an elder abuse lawyer immediately.
2. Neglect and Abuse
Older adults are sometimes neglected and put in the bottom level of nursing homes. Even though they are not receiving enough care or attention, they can still not receive medical treatment. It is a form of Nursing home abuse that violates their civil rights.
3. Physical Abuse
When older adults are physically abused in nursing homes, the abuser may use excessive force to restrain the older adult. It is considered physical abuse and can lead to injury, disability, trauma, or even death. It is also a form of elder abuse that violates the civil rights of older adults. It is also a crime.
Bed rails are commonly used in nursing homes to assist residents with mobility, prevent falls, and provide support while in bed. While bed rails can be beneficial, they also pose risks of injury if not used properly or if residents become trapped or entangled in them. There may be cases of insufficient bed rail safety for nursing home residents which poses various risks of physical injury if not managed properly.
4. Sexual Abuse
Many nursing homes employ nurses and staff with criminal records for sexual assault and sexual battery. It is an intentional crime of abuse that is punishable by law. Suppose a staff member or a nursing home nurse touches or fondles an older adult inappropriately. In that case, this is considered sexual abuse and can lead to trauma, emotional distress, injury, disfigurement, and even death for the older adult.
5. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes verbal and nonverbal behavior, such as yelling at an older adult or threatening them. It is considered emotional abuse because an older person is treated like a child. Some examples of verbal and nonverbal behavior include name-calling, threatening, invading personal space, ignoring an older adult’s specific needs, or ridiculing the elderly relative. This abusive behavior can cause stress and anxiety disorders in older adults.
6. Controlling Behavior
Some nursing homes will cut off access to media, finances, social security benefits, and other vital resources. The older adult will be given too little or no food and water. It is a sign that a nursing home is trying to control older adults’ behavior by taking away their freedom, causing them to feel helpless and dependent on the nurse or staff. If a nursing home does this, it is considered controlling behavior and can lead an older adult into depression.
There are many ways that older adults can be abused in nursing homes. These abuses may be physical, verbal, and even sexual. Most of these abuses happen because of neglect. Older adults must report abuse to the proper authorities if they see any signs of abuse or neglect.
To prove nursing home abuse, one must have evidence. Suppose a family member has noticed the signs of nursing home abuse and thinks a loved one is being abused. In that case, they should take photographs of their loved one’s condition, keep records of any incidents, and try to contact their doctor or another care provider for advice.
