The Many Different Types of Elder Abuse

 Posted on January 10, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

The last thing you want to worry about is a cherished family member being abused in a nursing home. These are their twilight years and should be spent enjoying peace and comfort. Sadly, harm can come to an elder inside these facilities in several different ways. Mistreatment and being taken advantage of are only some of the problems the elderly may face. For a full spectrum of how very real this problem is or if you have an aged loved one experiencing abuse, contact an attorney immediately.

Physical

The first form of abuse you would likely think of when hearing the word “abuse” is of the physical variety. Physical abuse can include inflicting bodily harm or pain on the elderly resident. This pain may come from being needlessly restrained or even starving. Bruises, cuts, lacerations, or fractured bones are not foreign to the elderly. However, should you notice the injuries seem unlikely to have been caused by an accident, or if the elder shows signs of fear toward certain individuals, it could suggest physical abuse. 

Psychological

Other reasons for a resident to show signs of fear can include emotional or mental distress. This may be brought on through threats, humiliation, disrespect, bullying, or verbal manipulation they may cause a senior to become withdrawn. Physical isolation is another form of psychological abuse that may instill distress or sadness in a senior, leading to long-term trauma.

Neglect or Abandonment

Failing to provide or choosing to withhold medical care or basic needs such as water or food is a real problem in nursing homes. Seniors are already prone to health issues. Rampant neglect where a resident’s needs are not being met can only further complicate matters.

Leaving elderly adults alone without care when they can no longer care for themselves can be seen as neglect or abandonment. When staff fail to manage a senior’s necessary care, they are committing blatant elder abuse.

Sexual

Sexual abuse involves unwanted advances of a sexual nature, inappropriate touching, non-consensual sexual acts, and even sexual harassment. A staff member forcing a senior resident to watch lewd or indecent sexual content is also a form of sexual abuse.

Financial

Staff may steal, mismanage, or refuse to help a senior resident with their finances. Theft of one’s belongings or accessing a senior resident’s bank accounts without authorization constitutes financial abuse. Seniors will often rely on staff or others to help with financial management leaving them vulnerable to such abuse.

Contact a Cook County, IL, Nursing Home Attorney

Suspect that an aging senior you know is being mistreated or abused? Place your trust in an experienced and skilled Chicago, IL, nursing home abuse lawyer from Schwartz Injury Law. We can take legal action to ensure your loved one is receiving the care they deserve and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Contact our office for a free consultation right now at 312-535-4625.