Different Variations of Abuses That Can Occur In a Nursing Home
The United States hosts several nursing homes because of their vital role in ensuring that elderly individuals live and lead healthy lives. Residents in these facilities are expected to be cared for in the best possible ways. Respect, dignity, kindness, and patience are key expectations from these nursing homes.
“We dedicate a significant portion of our practice to asserting the rights of elderly individuals to receive the quality of care that they deserve without being exposed to unnecessary hazards. Our attorneys understand that nursing home residents often are unable to protect themselves, and we can pursue any legal remedies to which they might be entitled,” says attorney Sean Duffy of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC.
Surprisingly, not every nursing home lives up to these standards, with several reported cases of abuse over the years. To help you understand these abuses and create awareness around them, you must know the different types of abuse that go on in a nursing home. This article discusses the main abuses likely to happen to residents in a care home.
Abuse to Residents Physically
One of the most notable types of abuse in nursing homes is physical abuse. This can take different forms, ranging from hitting residents to moving them indiscriminately. Largely, nursing homes are filled with elderly people who are unable to do basic things for themselves. Workers in these homes are tasked with the responsibility of providing this needed care to these residents.
However, considering how these residents are vulnerable physically, it is not surprising to find them being physically abused. Sometimes, these physical abuses come as a result of caregivers being agitated by the actions and reactions of residents. In response, you may have them throwing things or even hitting the residents.
Unfortunately, there is no valid excuse for physically assaulting a resident. If at any point it becomes difficult to understand their actions, the next best step is to call for help from your superiors. That way, they can come in and provide much-needed help to the residents instead of taking it out on them and assaulting them physically.
Emotional Abuse of Residents
Another very notable form of abuse you will notice in care homes is emotional abuse, which is arguably more damaging than physical abuse. Unlike physical abuse, it is not always easy to identify emotional abuse until it has probably taken a huge toll on the victims. Emotional abuse and the impact it can have on victims take many forms.
For some, it may be done by consistently isolating residents in a nursing home. In other cases, it might be by way of intimidation and verbal threats to residents, forcing them to do what the caregivers want them to do. Humiliation and manipulation are also other expressions of emotional abuse in nursing homes.
A great way to spot victims of emotional abuse can be through sudden signs of anxiety or depression. If you have a loved one, whom you suspect may be showing signs of anxiety and depression while in a nursing home, you should talk to them to find out if they are being emotionally abused.
Misappropriation or Exploitation of Residents’ Finances
It is an unfortunate fact that there are nursing homes where people steal money or other belongings of residents. Also, in the course of providing care and support, residents may be coerced into divulging their credit card details. The staff of the care home might then be able to access the financial assets based on those details.
To avoid having your loved ones become victims of misappropriation and financial exploitation while in a care home, you should always stay aware of their financial status. If at any point you suspect anything different from the usual, you may want to speak with a lawyer to provide legal solutions for you.
Neglect or Reckless Treatment
In a nursing home, caregivers and other staff have a duty of care to the resident. Anything short of this duty may amount to neglect or reckless treatment which is not uncommon in nursing homes. Neglect can take the form of not providing medications, food, water, and other supplies when due. Recklessness occurs when residents are treated rashly and without recourse to the laid-down code of conduct.
Neglect in nursing homes is a serious issue that you will not want to be swept under the carpet. If you suspect neglect either by deteriorating health conditions or the development of infections and diseases, make sure to report it immediately.
Conclusion
Abuses happen in many nursing homes, and you have to always provide oversight to the care your loved ones are being provided. If you notice any inconsistency arising from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, always report it quickly.
