Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of the elder population is a common occurrence. It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have been injured, exploited or mistreated by someone who they depend on for care. Many times this abuse takes place in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. There are five types of nursing home abuse: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and exploitation.
Neglect
One of the most common forms of nursing home abuse is neglect. Nursing home neglect is when a caretaker fails to follow the standard of care deemed appropriate for their position. Nursing home neglect can include failing to provide essentials such as water, food, health care, shelter, safety and hygiene. Also, failing to properly attend to bathroom duties can be seen as neglect. Signs of nursing home neglect include:
- Dehydration
- Odor of urine or feces on the elder adult or in their living space
- Malnourishment
- Rashes or lesions on skin
Physical Abuse
The definition of physical abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility varies depending on the state; it is usually defined as a nonaccidental force against a resident that results in physical pain or injury. Physical nursing home abuse may include:
- Pushing or shoving
- Slapping
- Restraining the elder adult for an excessive amount of time
- Forcing the resident to consume certain foods or beverages
Sexual Abuse
Sadly, sexual abuse at Connecticut nursing homes is not uncommon. Nursing home sexual abuse is when an employee engages in any kind of nonconsensual sexual contact with a resident. In some cases, the abused resident is unable to communicate and is taken advantage of. If you notice that a staff member is inappropriately affectionate with your loved one, this may be a sign of sexual abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Nursing home emotional abuse occurs when an employee inflicts mental anguish, pain or distress on a resident with verbal or nonverbal actions. Some common examples of emotional abuse are:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Isolation
- Verbal assault
- Silent treatment
Exploitation
Exploitation is when a nursing home employee illegally takes, misuses or conceals a resident’s property or money. Warning signs of exploitation include:
- Large, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Missed bills or disconnected utilities
- Opening or closing of bank accounts
Contact a Connecticut Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you believe that your loved one is suffering from a type of nursing home abuse, it is imperative to contact an experienced Connecticut nursing home abuse lawyer. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is dedicated to protecting senior adults and fighting for justice on their behalf.
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