Sadly, physical abuse is a major problem in our nations nursing homes. An estimated 5% of our nations seniors have been victims of physical abuse at some point during their so called ‘golden years’. Some experts believe physical abuse is even more common in institutional settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals- yet many cases remain unreported.
In a nursing home setting, some patients may be physically abused by: other patients, visitors or even staff. In an effort to minimize physical abuse, some states have implemented laws to conduct background searches before hiring staff or admitting patients. In some cases, the facilities failure to properly screen or monitor their staff and new patients has resulted in harm to innocent patients.
Some elderly residents who are victims of abuse are unable to alert family or staff of the abuse due to physical impairment. They might be too scared to report the abuse or too embarrassed, or even unable to remember the abuse that they were forced to endure because of a cognitive impairment.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Consequently, it is important for family and caregivers to be on the look out for the signs of potential abuse:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures
- Frozen joints
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections, vaginal or anal bleeding
- Bloody clothing
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or delays in allowing visitors to see resident.
- Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
- Resident being kept in an over-medicated state
- Loss of resident’s possessions
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden loss of appetite
Steps to Take Following An Abusive Event
If you believe your loved one was physically or sexually abused, seek medical attention for the physical and emotional injuries immediately.
Secondly, report the crime to your local police department immediately. When police get involved soon after an event, they may have better access to evidence and witness that may help identify the perpetrators.
About Jonathan Rosenfeld
Jonathan Rosenfeld is a lawyer who represents people injured in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Jonathan has represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois and across the country. Jonathan’s reputation as an aggressive advocate for the…
