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When you notice a loved one in a nursing home seems withdrawn, shows unexplained bruises, or complains about missing belongings, it’s natural to feel worried and unsure of what to do.
These could be signs of nursing home abuse, a serious issue that affects many families who trust care facilities to keep their relatives safe and respected.
At The Sorenson Law Firm in Tempe, Arizona, we understand how distressing this situation can be. This article explains what elder mistreatment looks like, how to spot it, and the steps you can take to protect your loved one and seek justice.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse happens when a resident is intentionally or negligently harmed in a facility meant to provide care. This mistreatment can be physical, emotional, or financial, targeting vulnerable seniors who often can not defend themselves.
Care facilities are supposed to be safe places, but when staff or others act carelessly or cruelly, residents suffer. Understanding what elder abuse in care homes involves is the first step to addressing it.
Types of Abuse in Nursing Home
Elder mistreatment in nursing homes takes many forms, each causing harm in different ways. Here are the main types with clear examples:
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, pushing, or improperly restraining a resident. For example, a staff member might shove a resident, causing bruises or falls.
- Emotional Abuse: Yelling, insulting, or isolating a resident. This could involve a caregiver mocking a resident, making them feel worthless.
- Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact, like touching or assault. An example is a staff member taking advantage of a resident unable to consent.
- Financial Abuse: Stealing money or belongings or pressuring a resident to change financial documents. For instance, a caregiver might take a resident’s jewelry or forge a check.
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs, such as food, water, or medical care. Neglect might mean leaving a resident without meals or ignoring their calls for help.
Recognizing these types of abuse helps families identify when something isn’t right in a care facility.
Nursing Home Abuse Signs
Spotting nursing home neglect or abuse early can protect your loved one. Look for these warning signs, grouped into three categories for clarity:
Physical Injuries
Unexplained injuries are a red flag. These might include bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones without a reasonable explanation. For example, if a resident has frequent marks on their arms or seems afraid when staff approach, it could point to physical mistreatment.
Emotional Changes
Behavioral shifts often signal emotional abuse or neglect. A once-talkative resident might become silent, fearful, or unusually sad. They could refuse to speak about their day or seem anxious around certain caregivers, which hints at verbal abuse or intimidation.
Other Signs
Subtle clues can also reveal care facility abuse. Poor hygiene, like unwashed clothes or matted hair, might suggest neglect. Sudden weight loss could mean missed meals or medication errors. If money or valuables disappear or a resident’s bank account shows odd transactions, financial abuse might be the cause.
Paying close attention to these signs during visits can uncover problems early.
Causes of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse in care homes often stems from systemic issues. Understaffing is a common problem. When facilities have too few workers, residents may be ignored or rushed, leading to neglect.
Staff who lack proper training might not know how to handle residents’ needs, increasing the risk of harm. Poor management can also create a culture where mistreatment goes unchecked. Families expect nursing homes to prioritize care, but these challenges can betray that trust.
How To Report Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse, acting quickly is critical to ensure your loved one’s safety. Here are practical steps to take:
- Talk to the Nursing Home Administrator: Share your concerns with the facility’s leadership, and document what you discuss, including dates and responses.
- Contact Arizona Authorities: You can file a complaint with Arizona Adult Protective Services at (877) 767-2385 or contact a local long-term care ombudsman through the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
- Consult an Attorney: In elder mistreatment cases, speak with our experienced lawyer at The Sorenson Law Firm to explore your legal options and protect your loved one’s rights.
- Call 911 for Immediate Danger: If your loved one faces urgent harm, immediately contact emergency services.
Reporting promptly can stop abuse and hold the facility accountable.
Nursing Home Abuse Laws
Both Arizona and federal laws protect nursing home residents from mistreatment. The federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 sets standards for care, ensuring residents have the right to safety, dignity, and proper treatment.
Arizona’s Adult Protective Services Act strengthens these protections by addressing elder abuse and neglect, requiring facilities to maintain high standards.
These laws mean nursing homes can face penalties or lawsuits if they fail to keep residents safe. Families can use these legal protections to seek justice for care facility abuse.
Nursing Home Abuse Settlements
Taking legal action against a nursing home can lead to settlements that compensate victims for their suffering. These funds might cover medical bills, therapy costs, or emotional distress caused by abuse or neglect.
The amount of a settlement depends on the evidence, such as medical records or witness statements, and the specifics of the case.
An experienced attorney can guide families through this process, ensuring the facility is held accountable. If you suspect elder mistreatment, our lawyer can explain how a settlement might help your loved one.
How To Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
Families can take steps to reduce the risk of nursing home abuse:
- Visit Often: Regular visits let you check on your loved one’s condition and build relationships with staff. Ask about their daily routine and care.
- Research Facilities: Before choosing a nursing home, review Arizona’s inspection reports at azdhs.gov to find facilities with strong records.
- Stay Involved: Talk to your loved one and staff frequently. Ask about any changes in behavior or health, and document what you learn.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Speak up and investigate further to ensure your loved one is safe.
Being proactive helps ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve.
Take Action Today
Discovering that a loved one may be suffering from nursing home abuse is heartbreaking, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Sorenson Law Firm is here to help families in Arizona seek justice and protect their loved ones from elder mistreatment.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and learn how we can support you.
Phone: 480-839-9500
Address: 950 W Elliot Rd Suite 226, Tempe, AZ 85284
Let us stand with you to ensure your loved one is safe and respected.
References
- Arizona Adult Protective Services. (n.d.). How to Report Elder Abuse. Retrieved from https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/adult-protective-services
National Center on Elder Abuse. (n.d.). Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect. Retrieved from https://ncea.acl.gov/home#gsc.tab=0
