Nursing Home Abuse

 

The thought of it is disturbing, but abuse of the elderly occurs all too frequently. They are some of society's most vulnerable people, but senior citizens are at perhaps their most vulnerable when their living situations make it clear that they cannot easily defend themselves.

Nursing home abuse takes many forms, but all of it is damaging in some way – emotionally, physically, or financially. As the elderly population increases and the social dynamics of our society begin to favor nursing home care over in-home care, we must be evermore vigilant in protecting senior citizens from abuse. Knowing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial.

 

Understanding types of nursing home abuse may go a long way to preventing it in our society, or at the very least protecting your loved ones from suffering its consequences.

Nursing Home Neglect

One of the most pervasive forms of nursing home abuse today is that of neglect. nursing home neglect is too frequently overlooked and results all too often in a decline in general health and eventually the death of those elderly people entrusted to nursing home care facilities. The problem can occur anywhere and can take many shapes. What makes this particularly sinister is that it can be overlooked or ignored for so long. Even upon repeated visits to a nursing home, the signs of nursing home neglect can remain hidden.

 

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

There are many reasons that elderly residents in facilities suffer nursing home abuse and neglect. Nursing home workers are too often low-paid, overworked, and poorly trained. Sometimes the problem occurs when a nursing home owner tries to cut corners by skimping on staff or training. But, sometimes the worst cases of nursing home neglect and abuse happen at facilities that on the outside seem clean, professional, and well run. Often, management is aware that a problem exists.

 

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which residents of nursing homes experience an elevated risk of a number of ailments. These issues can occur because of a lack of appropriate care, neglect, or they can simply result from the declining physical state that accompanies old age and created a need for long-term care in the first place. What follows is a listing of the most common ailments and nursing home neglect issues associated with nursing home care.

 

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Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

 

Unfortunately, there are to many reasons that elderly residents in nursing home facilities suffer abuse and rampant neglect. Nursing home care takers and general assist workers are commonly low-paid, overworked, and poorly trained. Many times the problems arises when a nursing home administrators and or respective owner attempt to save money, thus increase their profits by cutting corners and skimping on staff and adequately training the same.

 

How can we tell if a facility is properly treating their residents, you could asked. The answer is not simple; hence,  since historically the worst cases of nursing home abuse and neglect take place at those facilities that at face value look acceptably well maintained, and professionally run. More often, than not administrators are totally aware of the existence of problems concerning neglect and abuse and opt to ignore and let them continue.

 

To compound the problems, we have to deal with the situation  that many elderly people, because of their condition are unable or unwilling to complain. These people are our beloved grandparents, elderly parents and older relatives particular to an older generation which believed, because where often taught to "accept the bad quietly" and  and deal with it with pride. In today's world, although this way of thinking is commendable, it does not mean they should or have to accept the bad and keep quite.

 

How can you tell or at the very least, suspect abuse and neglect?  Although, there could be certain visible signs that your elderly parent or relative is a victim of nursing home abuse – unfortunately, such abuse and neglect is not always physical, where it could leave signs. Most of the time it can take the form of verbal abuse, intimidation or forced isolation, and intentional neglect and that is equally unacceptable.

 

Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder Abuse and Neglect can leave behind many recognizable signs. Physical abuse is one that comes to mind the most, which can be seen at different levels and intensities. It can manifest itself as minor battery to extreme physical  assault and battery or in worst scenario even rape – or it can be seen under the mantra of restraint, either by mechanical or chemical means, such as unauthorized administration of drugs.

 

On the other hand, there are also signs not easy recognizable since they are necessarily of a physical nature, but Emotional abuse, such as, insults, humiliation, threats, and attempts to frighten the elderly resident. One of the most rampant is the crime of omission, as when the resident is ignored, disregarded, and/or isolated against his or her will.

Neglect can consist of withholding food, water, and/or medication as well as failure to change bedding or take care of hygiene needs.

Obvious signs to look for include:

• unusual bruising or bleeding
• open wounds, sores or cuts
• burns and abrasions
• sudden and unexplained change in weight
• soiling, poor hygiene, smell of urine or feces
• infections
• loss of hair
• torn, stained, or bloody clothing or bedding

Less obvious signs may consist of:

• listlessness or unresponsiveness
• infantile or other strange behaviors
• physical or emotional withdrawal
• disappearance of personal items
• sudden and unusual financial transactions

If you note any of these signs you may have questions on what to do. First you should begin by notifying the facility management. Please remember that just because your loved one is displaying possible signs of abuse doesn't mean someone directly abused them. It could be one of many common medical issue due to neglect.

More Red Flags

If you arrive at a facility to visit a resident during regular visiting hours and the staff refuses or delays access – or a staff member refuses to leave the room during your visit – these may be signs that they are hiding something. Again, it is important to begin by registering your concerns with the management, but if you are not satisfied, you have the legal rights to file a complaint to the appropriate agency.

References:

Hofer, Molly. "Elder Abuse and Neglect." University of Illinois Extension, 2010. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/elderabuse/signs.html (accessed January 15, 2010).

Segal, Jeanne et. al. "Elder Abuse and Neglect." HelpGuide, Feb. 2008. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm (accessed January 15, 2010).

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