By their very nature, assisted living facilities (ALF) and nursing homes (NH) are designed to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for residents. When already-vulnerable residents are not properly taken care of, however, serious or even fatal consequences can result.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Comes in Many Forms
Nursing home neglect and abuse can range from intentional inflictions of pain and suffering to an unintentional failure to provide someone with the care they need to be safe. Examples of neglect and abuse in nursing homes include the following:
- Failure to keep the nursing home free of safety hazards
- Physical abuse such as kicking, slapping, pushing, shaking, or threatening
- Sexual abuse or rape of a resident by a staff member
- Neglect of medical, personal hygiene, emotional, social, or other basic needs
- Negligent supervision leading to a fall or injury
- Failure to maintain regulated health and safety policies
- Substandard medical care
- Unreasonable physical restraint
- Unauthorized use of medication or sedatives
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Physical and emotional abuse or neglect can have devastating consequences on elderly loved ones. As a family member of someone in a nursing home, it is important that you remain aware of the signs of abuse or neglect against the elderly:
- Bed injuries
- Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
- Falls, fractures, or head injuries
- Heavy sedation
- Infections
- Bruises or bleeding
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Unexplained injuries
- Unsanitary conditions in the nursing home
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
- Unusual levels of agitation, social withdrawal, or sexually inappropriate behavior