The Tragic Effects of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
It isn't always easy to recognize when a patient at a nursing home is being abused or neglected. Many of the perpetrators of this type of behavior know full well the risks and will take active measures to abuse their victims in such a way that no noticeable damage is apparent, or, when it is, being sure to keep it hidden from concerned parties that might find them out. Even in the case of neglect, active precautions may be taken to ensure no red flags go up.
Not only that, but elderly people are often already insecure about the fact that they are so much more vulnerable later in life and may be so embarrassed by their inability to take care of or defend themselves that they just keep the abuse to themselves. But the effects of nursing home abuse on an elderly individual are extremely serious and for that reason it pays to always be curious and aware of what is going on.
Here are some of the effects that can manifest as a result.
1. Physical Injury and Suffering
Of course, any abuse, whether it be physical mistreatment, sexual abuse, or even rough handling, can lead to physical injuries or suffering. These can be bruises. They can be bedsores. They can even be broken bones or internal injuries.
These physical manifestations of abuse are obviously the easiest to notice, but most abusers will be sure to do their best to hide them, and since they are the ones in charge of the patient's care, they often have the power to do just that.
2. Emotional Wounds
Just as damaging can be the emotional scars created by a victim who is unable to defend themselves, and this is equally true when the abuse is more emotional than physical. Elderly people are often experiencing a lot of difficult emotions later in their lives, and anyone who is a victim of abuse will obviously suffer emotionally. In some cases, they will become extremely depressed if someone does not intervene.
3. Financial Losses and Theft
If the abuser is taking the elderly person's money and pocketing it or diverting it into their own bank account—possibly even just using it to purchase themselves expensive things—the end result can be severe financial damage to the elderly person's accounts or estate. In some cases, if enough money is taken, the victim can end up in a bad enough financial position that they can no longer take care of themselves in these later years of their life.
4. Sickness and Disease
Whether due to unsanitary conditions in the nursing home, neglect, or a lowered immune system stemming from emotional suffering, abuse can even lead to sickness and disease. As patients are often already physically weak in their old age, this can be a dangerous problem.
5. Premature Death
In a severe enough case, physical abuse can result in death. And even in other cases where the emotional effects of the abuse get bad enough, an elderly person may suffer declining health and premature death as a result of depression and an inability to cope with what is happening to them. It's tragic that we even have to think of such things in this day and age, but unfortunately, we cannot always trust the people who we depend on to keep our families safe and sound later in life. It's of utmost importance to always be aware of what's going on—most importantly, communicate with your aging loved ones as much as possible and inquire about their care.
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Nursing Home Abuse Signs
Many seniors suffer abuse at the hands of their caregivers. This can happen whether the caretaker is a spouse, relative or even a professional caregiver. It is especially disturbing to think that seniors might be abused in nursing homes, where they are sent for professional care when family members can no longer care for them, but it can and does happen. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate nursing home abuse.
Physical abuse may be indicated by the presence of unexplained cuts, bruises or other injuries. Seniors may experience fractures as a result of being hit or shoved, and may be denied adequate food and water. If an elderly person indicates that he or she has been mistreated by nursing home staff, the accusation should be taken seriously and action should be taken immediately. The same applies if a family member or other visitor notices anything unusual about the elderly person's condition.
Neglect involves failure to properly care for a person in one's care.
Sexual abuse can include anything from improper touching to rape, and usually results in emotional as well as physical trauma for the resident. It may be difficult for the victim to tell anyone that this type of abuse has occurred. If an elderly person experiences unexplained genital infections, bleeding, bruising around the breasts or upper thighs or torn or stained underclothing, these may be reasons to suspect sexual abuse.
Seniors who are subjected to emotional abuse may develop low self-esteem depression or dementia. Their personalities may change and they may start to have mood swings or withdraw from other people. They may also exhibit strange behaviors such as biting, sucking or rocking.
Other nursing home abuse signs include seniors not being allowed to leave their rooms, visitation being denied or delayed by nursing home staff, physical restraint of the elderly person, overuse of medication or withholding required medication, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts and personal belongings missing from the resident's room. Any of these signs could indicate a problem, and further investigation is warranted.
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Preventing Nursing Home Abuse
Your involvement is key to making sure nursing home abuse does not occur. Visit the facility frequently, so you assess firsthand the care. Try to vary the times you visit, so you can witness the care at all hours. If you have concerns, talk to the aides, nurses, social worker, administrator, or doctor.
Your state survey agency can be an excellent source of information. In each state's Department of Health, there is a division responsible for enforcement of nursing regulations. Yearly surveys are conducted, and the agency and follow up on these surveys investigating complaints submitted by family members. The division is required to provide you with they collect.
If you suspect a resident is a victim of either neglect or abuse by the nursing home, a complaint should be filed with the state Licensing and Certification. This agency has the power to file a citation against the facility as well as fine and require corrective action.
Many are afraid to issue a complaint against the nursing home for fear of retaliation against the resident.
If you have these concerns, the licensing agency can assist you with procedures designed to protect your family member. A common option chosen by many is to move the resident to another facility while the investigation takes place.The complaints can be made either orally or in writing. Investigators will visit the facility as early as 10 days after the complaint has been issued. The nursing home will not be notified of the investigation in advance. Evidence will consist of observations, statements from witnesses, and facility records. If the investigator determines the complaint is warranted, a citation will be issued.
The person issuing the complaint will be notified of the decision in writing.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision, an informal hearing may be conducted. If the decision from the hearing is still unsatisfactory, the plaintiff can appeal for review.You have the right to take private legal action against the home. However, each state has a certain time frame in which legal action can be taken. Once this time passes, a case can no longer be filed. Therefore, it is important to consult the advice of an attorney who can protect the rights of your loved one and guide you through the legal process.
If you suspect a family member has been the victim of nursing home abuse, visit http://www.waukeshapersonalinjurylawyer.com today.
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