Nursing home abuse is more common than most people realize. One national survey suggests that the prevalence of elder abuse is as high as 10%, with an estimated five million elders affected each year. Thankfully, people are becoming more aware of the issue, and reporting of elder mistreatment has increased in recent years. Review this guide to learn more about the types of abuse so that you can readily identify them.

Types of Abuse

Physical abuse is the most identifiable type of elder mistreatment. It encompasses intentionally hitting, kicking, or otherwise hurting the victim. Physically restraining someone against their will also counts as abuse. Affected seniors often have unexplained injuries like cuts, bruises, burns, fractures, and dislocations.

Emotional abuse is another common problem. It might involve yelling at the victim, intimidating them, harassing them, or otherwise bullying or humiliating them. Symptoms include depression, fearfulness, withdrawal, and anxiety. A patient might feel timid or scared when near the offending party.

Sexual abuse involves any kind of sexual contact that the victim hasn’t explicitly consented to. This also includes forcing the individual to take their clothes off or the perpetrator exposing themselves to the victim. Indicators include unexplained pelvic pain, diseases spread through sex, bruising, or trouble sitting or walking.

What Causes Abuse?

Nursing home abuse can happen for various reasons. In some cases, the facility may be understaffed, or the employees might be poorly trained. Facilities without proper resources and professional management often fail to deliver high-quality care, which results in nursing home neglect and abuse.

If you have a loved one in a care facility, the best thing you can do to ensure they’re safe and comfortable is to check in regularly. Keep an eye out for signs of elder abuse like those described above.

If you believe your loved one is being mistreated, take action by contacting an attorney. Reed Law PC LLO of Omaha, NE, provides legal representation for nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Attorney Shayla Reed and her team are passionate about protecting the rights of seniors. They’ll fight aggressively to get you the justice you deserve. Find out more about their work online. For a free consultation, call (402) 933-0588.