Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

There are many types of abuse in nursing homes, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. Nursing homes are meant to be places where vulnerable individuals receive care, support, and respect in their later years. Unfortunately, these facilities can also be sites of abuse, where residents endure mistreatment that ranges from neglect to outright physical and emotional harm. 

Understanding the types of abuse that occur in nursing homes is crucial for identifying, preventing, and addressing these serious issues. For legal help, contact our Louisville nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves any non-accidental use of force against a resident that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, restraining excessively, or using inappropriate methods of physical punishment. 

Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, or burns, as well as the resident’s reluctance to be alone with certain staff members.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse is characterized by behaviors that inflict mental anguish, pain, or distress on a resident. This can include verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation. Perpetrators of emotional abuse may manipulate residents through gaslighting or coercion, undermining their self-esteem and causing profound psychological harm. 

Symptoms may manifest as sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, or signs of depression and anxiety.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, hygiene, medical care, or safety. It can be intentional or unintentional and often results from understaffing, inadequate training, or neglectful attitudes. 

Signs of neglect include poor personal hygiene, untreated medical conditions, malnutrition, dehydration, or living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Neglect can lead to serious health complications and deterioration in a resident’s overall well-being.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact or interaction with a nursing home resident, including touching, fondling, or any form of sexual activity. This abuse is particularly heinous as it violates a resident’s bodily autonomy and dignity. Victims may be unable to report due to cognitive impairments or fear of reprisal. 

Signs of sexual abuse can include unexplained sexually transmitted infections (STIs), bruising around the genitals or breasts, or sudden changes in behavior or emotional state. Contact our team immediately if you believe a loved one is being sexually abused.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation occurs when a caregiver or staff member improperly uses a resident’s funds, property, or assets for their own benefit or gain. This can include stealing money, forging signatures, coercing a resident into signing documents, or accessing their financial accounts without permission. Vulnerable residents are often targeted due to cognitive impairments or limited oversight of their financial affairs. 

Signs may include unexplained withdrawals, missing personal belongings, or sudden changes in financial status.

Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare fraud involves deceptive practices by healthcare providers or facilities that result in financial gain at the expense of residents or insurers. This can include billing for services not rendered, overcharging, or providing unnecessary medical treatments or medications.

Healthcare fraud not only exploits residents financially but can also compromise their health and well-being by subjecting them to unnecessary procedures or medications.

Violation of Rights

Residents in nursing homes have specific rights guaranteed under federal and state laws. Violations of these rights can occur through various means, such as restricting visitation rights, denying access to necessary medical care, or isolating residents from social activities. 

Violations may also involve ignoring advanced directives or failing to obtain informed consent for treatments. Recognizing these violations is essential to ensure residents receive the dignity, respect, and autonomy they deserve.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a caregiver or nursing home staff member deserts a resident who is dependent on them for care. This can be intentional, such as leaving a resident alone without arranging for necessary assistance, or unintentional, such as failing to return after a scheduled break. 

Abandonment puts residents at risk of physical harm, neglect, or psychological distress, especially if they are unable to care for themselves or communicate their needs effectively.

Why Should You Hire Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers?

At McCoy & Hiestand, our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to seeking justice for victims of elder abuse and holding negligent facilities accountable.

Legal Experience With Many Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

With years of experience in handling nursing home abuse cases, we have the knowledge to navigate complex legal processes and advocate vigorously on behalf of our clients. We conduct thorough investigations, gathering evidence to build strong cases against perpetrators and negligent institutions.

Compassionate and Personalized Legal Representation

We approach each case with compassion and sensitivity, understanding the emotional challenges our clients face. Our personalized approach ensures that we listen to your concerns, provide clear guidance, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

Proven Track Record of Success

McCoy & Hiestand has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for nursing home abuse victims through settlements and courtroom verdicts. We are committed to achieving the best possible results for our clients while striving to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Contact McCoy & Hiestand Now to Speak With a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a nursing home, seeking legal guidance and support is crucial. At McCoy & Hiestand, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents. 

Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step towards justice and accountability – at our firm, together we have over 60 years of trial experience and we have faced some of the biggest insurance companies in the country.