Resident-on-Resident Abuse in Chicago Nursing Homes

 Posted on July 11, 2022 in Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home residents are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Whether they suffer from physical disabilities, cognitive decline, or both, nursing home residents deserve to be protected. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are supposed to be safe places for elderly and disabled people to get the help and medical attention they need. Sadly, many nursing homes miss the mark.

One form of nursing home negligence that is rarely discussed is resident-on-resident abuse. Staff in a nursing home have a legal duty to supervise residents and protect them from foreseeable harm. This includes protecting nursing home residents from physical, mental, or sexual abuse at the hands of other residents.

When a Nursing Home Resident Injures Another Resident

Resident-on-resident abuse refers to abuse one nursing home resident inflicts on another. This type of abuse can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes, the abuser suffers from severe cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and does not even realize what he or she is doing. Other times, the abuse follows an altercation of some kind.

Nursing home staff have both a moral responsibility and a legal obligation to provide reasonable care to residents. Staff should watch over residents and check in on them frequently. A resident who has been aggressive or violent in the past should not be left alone with another resident unsupervised.

If a nursing home resident injures or kills another resident due to inadequate supervision or other forms of nursing home negligence, the nursing home may be liable. The injured resident and/or his or her family may be entitled to damages.

Signs of Resident-on-Resident Abuse

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for abuse victims to come forward and report the abuse. Some residents are too impaired by cognitive or physical disabilities to communicate the abuse to others. Those with severe memory loss or trouble understanding what is going on around them may not even fully understand what is happening.

Residents without cognitive impairment may be fully capable of reporting the abuse but they are afraid to do so. They may fear retaliation from the abusive resident or worry that staff will not take their allegations seriously.

If your loved one is living in a nursing home, be vigilant for signs of abuse such as:

• Unexplained injures including bruises and lacerations

• Sexually transmitted infections

• Changes in behavior, sleep patterns, and appetite

• Isolating behaviors and fear of interacting with other residents

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

If your loved one suffered due to nursing home negligence, contact our Cook County nursing home injury attorneys to discuss your legal options. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.seniorsmatter.com/resident-to-resident-abuse/2491919/