Understanding the Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Negligence

 Posted on February 15, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

When we bring a family member to a nursing home facility, we entrust that facility to our loved one's well-being. Sadly, nursing home negligence is a serious issue that has gained increased attention in recent years. Neglect is defined as the failure of a caretaker to provide adequate care, which can result in physical harm, emotional distress, or even death. Many forms of nursing home neglect manifest themselves in various ways. This may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, and medical neglect.

Learning that a loved one has suffered abuse and neglect at a nursing home facility can be highly distressing. Older adults are a vulnerable part of society, and learning that they have been harmed or taken advantage of often brings significant pain and sadness to the family of the loved one. Today, we are going to discuss common forms of nursing home negligence. It cannot be understated that if you believe your loved one has suffered from mistreatment at a nursing home, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney who will aggressively and compassionately provide you and your family with the legal guidance necessary as you move to take legal action against the wrongful acts of the nursing home facility.

The Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse

As stated previously, nursing home abuse can manifest itself in many ways. The first way is through physical abuse. Physical abuse can include any type of physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or shoving. This type of abuse is often motivated by anger or frustration and can have severe physical and emotional consequences for the victim. Unfortunately, physical abuse often goes unnoticed because the victim is too scared or embarrassed to report it.

The following way nursing home abuse can manifest itself is through sexual abuse. This occurs when a staff member or another resident sexually assaults a nursing home resident. All too often, nursing home residents suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are targeted since they may lack the capacity to defend themselves against inappropriate touching and more.

Finally, financial abuse is yet another common form of abuse that can take place in a nursing home. This may involve an employee or resident taking advantage of a resident's financial resources, such as savings or pension. Like other forms of abuse, individuals who are suffering from ailments that affect their cognitive function, such as Alzheimer's, may be targeted because they are considered an easy target.

Contact a Kane County Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

It is imperative for family members and loved ones to be vigilant and look for signs of neglect and abuse. If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected at their nursing home, consider contacting the astute and compassionate Aurora, IL, nursing home negligence lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK98786/