6 Common Nursing Home Abuse Scenarios

Elder abuse is a widespread problem plaguing U.S. nursing homes. The scope of the problem is difficult to define, because definitions of abuse vary widely and statistics are unable to account for those too afraid to come forward. According to the National Institute of Justice, around 1 in 10 seniors are abused every year.

How To Spot Abuse

There are many different kinds of abuse that can diminish a senior’s quality of life and have devastating long-term effects. As with small children, frailty and fear can prevent elderly individuals from speaking out against predators. In some cases, they may not even realize they are being taken advantage of in an unfair and abusive way. Consider these common examples of nursing home abuse:

1. Physical abuse. Abusers may use overt physical force leaving bruises and abrasions on their victims including slapping, kicking, burning, pushing, and hitting. They may take advantage of a nursing home patient’s altered mental state or use aggression as a form of punishment against undesired behaviors, which the patient may have no control over. Caregivers should carefully examine patients for unexplained bruises, lacerations, and abrasions and question any unusual symptoms.
2. Psychological or emotional abuse. Psychological abuse can be very difficult to pinpoint because of a patient’s mental state or other medical difficulties. While actions of fear towards a care provider may signal abusive behavior, some patients can become paranoid in the caregiving setting. Use a patient’s medical history to help inform his or her reactions to certain caregivers, and watch how nursing home workers interact with patients regularly for clues about psychological abuse.
3. Neglect. This passive form of abuse can cause serious injury and even death. When a caregiver fails to provide an elderly individual with adequate care for his or her health and wellbeing, it is considered an act of neglect. Failing to give medication, food, or a safe, clean environment are all neglectful actions. Neglect in a nursing home can be a conscious act of abuse, or it can happen when caretakers are not properly trained for their roles. Bed sores, dehydration, hunger, poor hygiene, and unclean smells signal neglect.
4. Sexual abuse. Unfortunately, no age group is exempt from sexual abuse. Any sexual activity that occurs without a lucid adult’s consent is considered abusive. In this setting, it may involve forcibly showing an elder lascivious material or sex acts, forcing him or her to undress, or rape. Any unexplained medical diagnoses of STDs, bruising, or other unusual symptoms around the genitals may be an indication of sexual abuse.
5. Healthcare fraud/abuse. Overmedicating, under-medicating, overcharging, and charging for services not provided are all forms of healthcare fraud. These tend to be large-scale abuse scenarios carried out by unethical doctors and nursing home personnel. Referring certain drugs and double billing patients are also forms of healthcare fraud.
6. Financial abuse. When a caregiver uses a patient’s trust to access their accounts or property in an unauthorized manner, he or she is committing financial abuse. Stealing cash or checks, forging signatures, identity theft, and misusing access rights are all financially abusive actions.

Abuse Where You Least Expect It

The individual responsible for abuse may not be a nursing home staff member. 90% of all elder abuse is committed by family members. As caregivers, look for any signs of abuse, and address them immediately by contacting law enforcement, a helpline, or someone you trust for help. Earn a patient’s trust, and visit him or her as often as possible. The more caring individuals a senior is surrounded by, the harder it becomes for an abuser to act unnoticed. If you notice a concerning symptom or behavior, reach out to an attorney to learn more about bringing the individuals responsible to justice.