Imagine discovering that a caregiver abused and tortured your elderly friend or family member. As our population ages, more and more people will enter the nursing-home setting. Be vigilant. Protect your elderly friends and relatives from all types of nursing home abuse. Physical, sexual, emotional and even financial abuse of this vulnerable population can happen. Watch for signs of elder abuse and learn how to take action if you believe it is occurring.
Types
Physical nursing home abuse is "defined as non-accidental use of physical force against an elderly person," according to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, and can often be detected via visible injuries. Most people know that physical abuse can take the form of striking an elder, but you should also be aware that administering inappropriate medications or applying unnecessary physical restraints qualifies as physical abuse.
Sexual elder abuse occurs when an elder is exposed to "non-consensual sexual contact or interaction," according to the Nursing Home Abuse Center. This type of nursing home abuse is not always physical; it might involve a caregiver ordering an elder to disrobe for no reason or forcing an elder to view pornography.
Emotional abusers may ridicule, shout at or blame elders for situations that they cannot control, such as urinary incontinence. You should understand that neglect and prolonged isolation are also forms of emotional abuse. Emotional cruelty creates distress, anxiety and fear.
Financial abuse of elders can also occur. Senior citizens are targets for fraud and extortion schemes. Financial abuse can range from pilfering small amounts of cash to identity theft. Swindlers may attempt to charge elders for medications or health-care services that will never be delivered. In addition, fake lotteries and charities are popular scams that can deceive the elderly.
Signs
Watch for signs that may indicate nursing home abuse of any kind. Take note of signs of physical abuse, such as unexplained bruises, scabs, untreated wounds or burn marks. Monitor for other visible signs of abuse, such as a dramatic change in body weight, lack of personal hygiene, or soiled attire or bedding.
Also, be on the lookout for more subtle signs of nursing home abuse. Watch for changes in behavior, such as lethargy, juvenile behavior or withdrawal from human interaction. Be suspicious if an elder is missing possessions or has made atypical financial exchanges. Be wary if you have limited or delayed access to an elder during established visiting times. Also be concerned if any nursing home employees refuse to leave a resident's room while friends and family members visit.
What To Do
Call 911 right away if you suspect your elderly friend or relative's life is in immediate danger. Otherwise, discuss your concerns with the elder, and with the management of the nursing facility. Try to remain calm and professional. If the situation does not improve, prepare to make a formal complaint.
Document
It is important that you write down everything that pertains to your nursing home abuse accusation. Record your observations and the time frame of events. Make sure you include the names of people at the facility who discussed the problem with you and the details of these discussions. Document any action or response from staff members and/or nursing home administrators.
Contacts
If you decide to file a formal complaint, you can contact the office of the Attorney General in the state where the nursing home is located to obtain the correct contact numbers. Another option is to contact the Department of Adult Protective Services in the state where the nursing home operates. When you contact the appropriate state agency, a case manager will provide you with several forms you will need to complete for filing your complaint.
