The 3 Main Types of Nursing Home Abuse

The 3 Main Types of Nursing Home Abuse

We all want what is best for our loved ones, and unfortunately, we may need to make some difficult decisions to do so. You may be in a situation where you have cared for an aging mother or father for years, yet you can no longer provide the round-the-clock care they need.

Or maybe your mother or father were living independently in their own houses until suddenly they could not live alone due to medical issues.

When You Trust The Care of Your Loved Ones to Others, You Expect Them to Be Safe 

If you are like many Americans, you could be discussing the heart-wrenching decision of sending your loved one to a nursing home. When you decide on the right nursing home, you are putting all of your trust in that the organization will take the right care of your loved ones.

Your loved ones should be safe.

But what happens when you suspect that something else is going on behind closed doors?

The Reality of Nursing Home Abuse 

Tragically, nursing home abuse is a widespread issue with devastating consequences. In fact, nearly 1 in 10 Americans 60-years-old and older have been victims of elder abuse.

There are various different types of abuse. Below we explain different types of abuse and common signs to look out for.

Physical Abuse

If a caregiver hurts or attacks a resident, there may be a few telltale signs that include:

  • Bruises
  • Broken Bones/ Fractures
  • Unexplained Falls or Injuries
  • Pressure Ulcers

Emotional Abuse

Abuse is not only physical. A caregiver could also be emotionally and verbally abusing a resident. You may not see this action take place, yet there are several signs of this type of abuse.

  • A resident shows signs of withdrawal and does not participate in activities he or she once enjoyed
  • A resident does not communicate, especially in front of caregiver, and is worried about the consequences of speaking up
  • A resident has abrupt changes in mood and sleep patterns

Neglect

In addition to physical and emotional abuse, another common way the caregiver can hurt residents is by neglecting to care for them. Examples of neglect include:

  • Caregivers neglecting to bathe residents resulting in unsanitary conditions
  • Caregivers neglecting to wash resident clothing, leaving them with soiled garments
  • Caregivers deprive residents of food and water, leaving them underweight and dehydrated
  • Caregivers neglecting to provide necessary medications, resident’s health declining
  • Caregivers not providing answers to victim’s family members about changes in conditions

Your Kansas City Lawyers Are Here to Help

If someone you love has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, call the experienced Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at the Goss Law Firm at 816-888-5000 to speak about your situation for free.

When you call, an experienced lawyer will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and provide legal advice to help you during this difficult time. There is never a fee for the initial consultation. Our compassionate team is dedicated to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and obtaining justice for your loved one. Give us a call today.