Making the decision to admit your loved one into a nursing home is extremely difficult for everyone in the family. You have likely made the decision to ensure your loved one receives the support and round-the-clock care they need as they get older. You do not expect them to become hurt at the very hands of the people you have entrusted to provide that care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is more common than people think.
Although many people first think of physical abuse in nursing homes, there are other types, as well. Below, one of our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers explains all the different types of misconduct in long-term care facilities.
Physical Nursing Home Abuse
Physical abuse in nursing homes occurs when a resident sustains injuries or bodily harm inflicted by a staff member or another resident. Nursing home staff members are expected to prevent resident-on-resident physical abuse, as well and can be held liable when they do not fulfill this duty. However, according to a 2024 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than nine percent of staff members admitted to physically abusing the elders in their care.
Physical abuse takes many forms including hitting, pushing, pinching, and pulling. Due to the fact that nursing home residents are typically quite frail, physical abuse results in some of the most serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and bruises and bleeding.
Emotional Nursing Home Abuse
Emotional abuse is actually the most common type of nursing home abuse. It is also known as psychological or verbal abuse. Common examples of emotional abuse in nursing homes include:
- Insulting the resident’s intelligence or appearance
- Controlling what a resident does against their will
- Making threats against a resident or their loved ones
- Isolating residents from family members, friends, and other residents
The most common sign of emotional abuse is a negative change in a resident’s behavior or mood. When a nursing home resident is the victim of emotional abuse, they can suffer from long-term mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sexual Nursing Home Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is one of the most appalling types. Sadly, it is far more common than many people realize. Sexual abuse in nursing homes occurs when a resident is the victim of groping, touching, or other types of unwanted sexual contact. Sexual abuse also does not have to involve physical contact. For example, showing a resident images of an illicit nature against their will can also constitute sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse causes physical injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sexually transmitted diseases, but it can also cause emotional trauma. Sadly, residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia are more susceptible to sexual abuse because they cannot give their consent.
Financial Nursing Home Abuse
Financial abuse in nursing homes occurs when a staff member manipulates a resident into giving them money, such as tricking them into changing their will for the staff member’s benefit. This type of nursing home abuse does not cause residents physical harm, but it can still inflict emotional trauma and be very damaging to their financial situation. This is particularly true considering the high cost of long-term care. Financial abuse can also occur in nursing homes if staff members steal property from a resident, but this type is much more rare.
Abandonment
Nursing home staff members have a duty to assist the elderly in their care. When they fail to do this and they leave a resident alone to take care of themselves when they are unable to, it is considered abandonment. Although abandonment is not one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse, it can have disastrous consequences. Residents are often found wandering by themselves, which puts them at risk of suffering some of the most serious injuries. In some cases, this occurs outside of the nursing home facility, resulting in missing elders.
Neglect
Neglect is different from other types of abuse because it is not intentional. Still, the impact on elders when they are neglected are very serious. Neglect occurs when a staff member in the facility does not provide the necessary care to a resident. Neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse in Chicago. It can also take many forms, including:
- Failing to address a resident’s complaints
- Failing to quickly report illnesses and injuries to physicians and family members
- Leaving residents confined to a bed or wheelchair for long periods of time
- Failing to provide residents with the medication they need
- Failing to ensure residents are properly fed and hydrated
- Failing to ensure residents have proper personal hygiene
Due to the fact that individuals in nursing homes are often in a weaker physical condition, and that neglect may not have visible signs, it is important to speak to a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer who can help prove your case.
Self-Neglect
Neglect is not always inflicted by nursing home staff members. Sometimes, residents may also neglect themselves. This occurs when residents refuse to care for themselves. They may refuse to brush their teeth, change their clothes, or take their medication. While this type of neglect does not happen at the hands of staff members in the facility, they still have a responsibility to make sure that residents are properly taken care of. This can include speaking with family members about the self-neglect, ensuring the elder receives additional medical attention, and taking care of tasks for the elder.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Chicago Can Help Your Family
Elders are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and it is critical that they receive the care and support they need. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered from any type of abuse, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers at Kennedy Watkins, LLC, can help. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping family members make things right, and we will put our expertise to work for you, too. Call us today at (312) 448-8181 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.