Table of Content
In America, there are more than 1.4 million senior citizens living in nursing homes. Deciding whether to place an elderly relative in a nursing home is often a difficult decision for many families, even though nursing homes should be a safe place for loved ones to spend the final years of their life. Sadly, many nursing homes take advantage of their vulnerable populations.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) has defined seven distinct kinds of abuse that take place in nursing homes. If you have loved ones who currently reside in a nursing home, it’s important to educate yourself on the various kinds of abuse that can take place and how to identify questionable situations. A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer can be an essential resource in ensuring your loved ones are protected and their rights are upheld. Here are the 7 types of nursing home abuse.
Sexual Abuse
When any non-consensual sexual contact occurs, it is classified as sexual abuse. Additionally, sexual contact with any person who is incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse. This especially pertains to elderly individuals, as many of them have disabling conditions that prevent them defending themselves.
Physical Abuse
Any use of physical force that results in bodily injury or physical pain is classified as physical abuse. Acts of violence such as hitting, beating, shoving, or slapping are all considered physical abuse. Examples of physical abuse that can often happen in nursing homes include the inappropriate use of force-feeding and physical restraints.
Emotional Abuse
Any verbal or non-verbal acts that cause emotional anguish, pain, or distress are classified as emotional abuse. Verbal assaults, insults, threats, and humiliation are just a couple of forms of emotional abuse. In a nursing home, acts of emotional abuse include treating elderly residents like infants, isolating residents from their families, or restricting a resident’s access to social interaction.
Financial Abuse
In regards to nursing homes, financial abuse or exploitation is defined as the improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets. Some ways financial abuse happens at nursing homes include when staffers cash a resident’s check without permission or authorization, forge a resident’s signature, or coerce them into signing financial documents.
Neglect
Acting with negligence is defined as the failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties. In a nursing home environment, neglect usually refers to the failure of the facility’s staff to provide one of their residents with necessities such as food, water, clothing, medicine, clean bedding, personal hygiene products, and more. Neglect may also include failure to check on residents, move them, or fulfill other duties essential to their care.
Abandonment
Abandonment occurs when an individual who has assumed responsibility for a nursing home resident “abandons” them suddenly and without warning. Of all the forms of abuse that are experienced at nursing homes, abandonment is the least common.
Self-Neglect
Self-neglect is a form of abuse an elder inflicts upon themselves. It is categorized as any behaviors carried out by residents that threaten their own health or safety. In most cases, this manifests as the refusal or failure to eat, shower, or take necessary medications. It’s important to note that self-neglect does not include situations in which a mentally competent senior citizen makes a conscious choice to engage in acts that threaten their safety.
Call an Expert Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York City
Unfortunately, many nursing homes engage in abusive behaviors that threaten the health and safety of their residents. If you suspect a loved one has suffered neglect or abuse at their nursing home, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino are here to help.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We are committed to cultivating strong relationships with our clients through trusted, reliable communication. Our team of skilled attorneys approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate for your experience. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
