What Is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional act or failure to act by individuals or entities that leads to harm, injury, or distress to residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities. It encompasses various forms of mistreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Let's take a closer look at these different types of abuse:

Defining Nursing Home Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force that results in:

• bodily harm
• pain
• or injury to a nursing home resident.

This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, restraining with excessive force, or inappropriate use of restraints or medications.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse refers to the infliction of mental anguish, distress, or fear through verbal or non-verbal acts. Examples include:

• humiliation
• intimidation
• threats
• isolation
• or constant belittling.

Emotional abuse often leaves no visible marks but can cause significant psychological harm.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate sexual behavior toward a nursing home resident. It can include:

• sexual assault
• unwanted touching
• exposure to pornography
• or any form of sexual harassment.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation occurs when someone misuses or steals a resident's financial resources or assets for personal gain. This can involve unauthorized use of credit cards, forging signatures, coercing the resident to change their will or estate plans, or stealing cash or valuable possessions.

Neglect

Neglect refers to the failure of caregivers to provide the necessary care, attention, and support to meet a resident's basic needs. This can include inadequate nutrition, hydration, hygiene, medical care, or failure to address safety concerns.

Understanding the Impact and Seeking Justice

It is essential to recognize the signs and take immediate action if you suspect abuse. Reporting your concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as adult protective services or law enforcement, is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones. You can also reach out to our elder law attorneys to seek compensation.