As Boston nursing home abuse lawyers, we know that elder abuse is, unfortunately, all too common within nursing home facilities. The elderly are a vulnerable population and are therefore easy victims for the staff members of nursing homes. This abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual and leave the victim with physical, mental and financial scars. In extreme cases, elder abuse can also lead to death. Those with memory problems, such as dementia, or physical disabilities are at an increased risk to be victims of elder abuse.
Physical Abuse
This occurs when a victim is harmed using intentional force. It can occur in a wide range of ways and result in any number of injuries. Beyond physical signs, it can also include the misuse of drugs or confinement. In addition, because the elderly can be more prone to injury, bruising, broken bones, infection, and more are also common results. Some less common signs to look for are any marks that show the victim may have been restrained or broken personal effects such as glasses.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be just as harmful to the elderly as physical abuse. It involves the degrading of patients using any number of tactics. For instance, the use of verbal threats to manipulate patients is common in nursing homes. It can lead the patient to have drastic mood swings, anxiety, depression, and more. This type of abuse comes in a wide range of forms, from shouting and verbal comments all the way to neglect. It can cause the patient to withdraw due to a fear that speaking will bring more harm. Warning signs include changes in the patient’s behavior or personality, as well as rocking or mumbling.
Sexual Abuse
This type of abuse occurs when a nursing home patient is forced into unwanted sexual activity. It often occurs while the victim is asleep or ill, or too weak to be able to give his or her verbal consent. Staff members or other residents most often commit these acts. It is similar to physical abuse in that it can be seen. Other signs to look for include infections that cannot be explained, changes in behavior or moods, and bleeding.
Neglect
Often grouped with emotional abuse, neglect can be expanded to include the deprivation of the patient’s needs. This includes food, proper heating, medication, and more. It can either be intentional or due to a lack of available resources. It often occurs in nursing home facilities that are understaffed. The signs of neglect include dehydration, malnutrition, and the side effects of missing medication.
Find Out if You Have a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Parker Scheer’s personal injury lawyers have successfully represented persons injured as a result of nursing home abuse and neglect. Those interested in having their potential claim reviewed by one of our nursing home abuse attorneys are encouraged to contact us or telephone us toll-free, seven days a week at 617-886-0500. There is never a charge for an initial consultation and all information supplied will be held in strict confidence.
