Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

 Posted on May 15, 2019 in Nursing Home Abuse

Many nursing homes across the United States are extremely inadequate. Too often, nursing homes are understaffed and struggle to keep staff turnover low. A large number of nurses, nurse’s aids, and other staff members are overworked, overwhelmed, and underpaid. Tragically, this results in substandard care for the most fragile members of our society. Even worse, some nursing home staff have actually admitted to physically abusing nursing home residents. If you or a loved one were hurt by nursing home staff, speak with a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer right away.

Residents with Cognitive Impairment Can Be Especially Venerable to Abuse

Imagine a toddler who is too young to really understand what he or she is doing. If the toddler refused to eat or take medication, would you physically lash out at him or her? The answer is of course not. Sadly, cognitive problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease can sometimes make adults act like children.

Nursing home residents who are afraid and confused may refuse to eat, take showers, take medication, or otherwise follow instructions from staff. This can cause staff to become frustrated and retaliate against the innocent resident by intentionally hurting them. If your loved one is in a nursing home, be vigilant for signs of neglect and abuse. Staff who are unwilling to talk to you or do not let you spend time with your loved one alone may be trying to hide something.

Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

If your loved one has suddenly changed their behavior, seems afraid of nursing home employees, or will not speak to you in front of certain staff members, this can be a very serious warning sign. Nursing home residents who have unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches, and other injuries may be suffering from physical abuse at the hands of staff or other residents. Some residents are even sexually abused by staff members.

Just recently, a Phoenix-area woman who is in a vegetative state after nearly drowning was a victim of sexual assault and forced impregnation at the hands of a nurse working at the facility. Nursing home staff did not know that the woman had been assaulted until she went into labor. DNA evidence later led to the arrest and conviction of a 36-year-old licensed practical nurse working at the facility.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Injury Attorney

If you believe your loved one was abused or neglected in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact the experienced Chicago, Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 312-535-4625.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/definitions.html

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/2013/02/26/9-warning-signs-of-bad-care

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/09/us/vegetative-state-birth-woman.html