Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Sadly, neglect and abuse of the elderly is a common occurrence. Types of Nursing Home Abuse can generally be classified in four different categories: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or psychological or mental trauma. Regardless of the type of abuse, if you believe that your loved one is a victim of Nursing Home Negligence , you may have legal recourse. Contact one of our personal injury lawyers today to discuss your legal options.

Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect is the most common form of nursing home abuse. Nursing home neglect is defined as a caretaker or medical professional who does not meet the expectations of the resident or follow the standard of care deemed appropriate for their position. Nursing home neglect can include failing to properly attend to bathroom duties, deprivation of essentials like food, water, hygiene, medication, shelter and safety, and inadequately providing general care. If your loved one resides in a nursing home and you notice any of the following warning signs, they may be a victim of nursing home neglect:

• Malnourishment
• Dehydration
• Lesions or rashes on skin
• Stench of urine or feces, either on the resident or in their living area
• Safety or health hazards in the resident’s living space

Nursing Home Physical Abuse

Although the definition of physical abuse in a nursing home varies depending on location, it can generally be defined as a caretaker or medical professional using excessive force that causes bodily harm, pain and suffering to the nursing home resident. Nursing home physical abuse is the second most common form of nursing home negligence. Examples of physical nursing home abuse include:

• Pushing, shoving or hitting
• Burning
• Slapping or kicking
• Restraining for excessive periods of time
• Improperly restraining
• Denying food or drinks
• Forcing to consume certain food or drinks

Nursing Home Sexual Assault

Unfortunately, nursing home sexual abuse is not uncommon. Nursing home sexual abuse occurs when an individual engages in a non-consensual sexual act with a resident. In some circumstances, the resident is unable to communicate and is taken advantage of. If you witness inappropriate affectionate behavior displayed by a staff member or flirty or coy behavior around a particular resident while you are visiting your loved one in the nursing home, these actions may be evidence of sexual abuse.

Nursing Home Psychological Abuse

Psychological nursing home abuse can occur through both verbal and nonverbal behavior. Any action that knowingly causes emotional anguish of a resident can be considered psychological abuse. Some common examples of nursing home psychological abuse include:

• Verbal assault
• Bullying and physical threats
• Degradation
• Harassment
• Isolation
• Silent treatment
• Babying

Contact a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you believe that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or negligence, it is important that you contact a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. At Gordon & Partners, our nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to protecting our seniors and ensuring that they receive justice for their suffering. Contact our nursing home negligence lawyers today for a free and confidential case evaluation to determine your legal options.