Lifespans in the United States has continued to rise thanks to medical advances. This means that many of us will be facing the decision to put out loved ones in nursing homes. There are nearly 16,000 nursing homes in the US, a number that will continue to rise. Unfortunately, elder abuse is underreported but prevalent.
Elder abuse, as defined by the CDC, is the intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust the creates a risk of arm to an older adult.
The abuse takes many forms:
- Physical Abuse – Any time nursing home staff intentionally uses force that causes harm to their residents, they are physically abusing them. This can include beating, hitting, slapping, choking, shoving, and more.
- Sexual Abuse – Though unthinkable, it happens. Anytime there is unwanted or forced sexual interaction between nursing home staff and a resident, it is abuse. This includes ALL form of sexual contact.
- Financial Abuse – Nursing home staff has access to sensitive information on patients and often have control of their finances. If they abuse this access to steal money or their residents’ identities, they are financially abusing them. This can also include billing a resident’s insurance company for procedures or medications not given to the resident.
- Emotional Abuse – This can include verbal and nonverbal behavior that results in residents’ anguish, mental pain, or distress. This includes threatening them, calling them names, isolating them, or punishing them.
- Neglect – Caregiver neglect can include withholding food, medication, or shelter. It can also include not bathing or exercising residents regularly or taking care of any wounds they have.
Any abuse that someone suffers in a nursing home is wrong and should not be tolerated. If you suspect this is happening to your loved one, contact police immediately. Then, seek legal assistance.
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