Nursing homes are intended to be places of care and support for our elderly loved ones. Therefore, many individuals trust their seniors’ care in nursing homes. As the Office of Inspector General stated, around 1.2 million people resided in over 15,000 nursing homes in July 2022. Most of these nursing homes are certified to act as both nursing and long-term care facilities.
They should be providing them with the assistance and attention they need in their later years. However, behind closed doors, some elders experience a reality far from the compassionate care promised. Nursing home abuse, whether physical, emotional, or financial, inflicts deep wounds on its victims.
In this article, we will look at how nursing home abuse on seniors impacts them and their well-being.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse in nursing homes can take many different forms; these include financial, emotional, sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, in addition to neglect. It happens when residents in their care are harmed, or their needs are not met by caregivers, employees, or other residents.
It is as common as it can get. According to NursingHomesAbuse.org, around 1 in 10 people in nursing homes experience some form of abuse or neglect. Abuse increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It reportedly increased by 83.6% during this time. That’s because lockdowns resulted in the isolation of seniors from their family members.
Physical abuse involves the use of force, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining residents, resulting in injury or pain. Emotional abuse can take the form of verbal insults, threats, or isolation, leading to psychological distress. Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation of residents.
Financial abuse occurs when caregivers or staff exploit residents for financial gain, such as stealing money or forging documents. Neglect involves failing to provide necessary care, such as food, water, hygiene, or medical attention, leading to physical or mental harm.
The Impact on Seniors
Nursing home abuse can have profound and devastating effects on seniors, both physically and psychologically. Here are some of the key impacts:
Physical Health
Nursing home abuse can have profound physical health consequences for elders, exacerbating existing health conditions and leading to new ones. One of the most immediate effects is physical injury.
Seniors who experience abuse may suffer from bruises, cuts, fractures, or other injuries resulting from physical violence, rough handling, or neglectful care. These injuries can cause physical pain and impair mobility and independence, leading to a decline in overall health.
In cases of neglect, where elders are denied essential care such as proper nutrition, hydration, or medication, their physical health can deteriorate. Malnutrition and dehydration can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infections, and exacerbate existing health conditions. Untreated medical conditions due to neglect can also lead to complications and further decline in health.
All these health consequences can result in a financial burden for medication and treatment. It can also impact the mental health and overall well-being of the seniors. Therefore, if any such incident arises, the loved ones must take appropriate action.
One of the best ways to act against nursing home abuse is to take a legal course. These incidents fall under personal injury law. Therefore, you can find a personal injury attorney and file a lawsuit. Try to find a local lawyer so that he or she is aware of the local regulations around nursing home abuse.
According to Burnham Law Firm, personal injury attorneys have a profound knowledge of this legal area. This gives them a unique perspective on approaching these types of cases. Thus, they can serve you in the best possible way.
Mental Well-Being
Seniors often enter nursing homes seeking comfort, care, and safety in their later years, only to encounter mistreatment and neglect. The psychological toll of such abuse can be severe, leading to a range of emotional distress and mental health issues.
For many elders, nursing homes represent a transition to a stage of life where they may require additional support with daily activities. However, when they experience abuse within these supposed havens of care, it shatters their sense of security and trust.
Victims of nursing home abuse often feel betrayed and vulnerable, exacerbating feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. This can become even more challenging, as many residents are likely to be already facing depression.
A Behavioral Health Business article shows that around 30% of nursing home residents suffer from depression. Moreover, some 20% to 40% of nursing facilities state that it is very challenging to offer even basic behavioral health needs. All these factors can already take a toll on the seniors’ mental health.
One of the most significant impacts of nursing home abuse on seniors’ mental well-being is the erosion of their self-esteem and dignity. Being subjected to mistreatment, whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial, can strip elders of their sense of worth and autonomy. This loss of dignity can lead to profound feelings of shame, helplessness, and worthlessness, further contributing to their psychological distress.
Quality of Life
The overall quality of life for seniors subjected to nursing home abuse diminishes significantly. Their sense of security and autonomy is shattered, leaving them feeling vulnerable and powerless.
The fear of further abuse may prevent them from seeking help or speaking out against their abusers. This traps them in a cycle of suffering and silence. Additionally, the loss of trust in caregivers and institutions can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, further isolating them from support networks.
According to The Redwoods – A Community of Seniors, staying in a senior community can help overcome the issue of quality of life. These communities offer a culture of creativity and wellness and even host numerous events and classes to keep the seniors engaged.
In a community for seniors, individuals can engage in social interaction, which is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Elders living in these communities often have access to communal spaces and activities where they can engage with peers. This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect that a senior is being abused in a nursing home, document any evidence of mistreatment. You can then immediately report your concerns to the facility’s administration and relevant regulatory agencies. You can also seek assistance from legal authorities and advocacy organizations specializing in elder rights.
How Can I Prevent Nursing Home Abuse?
To prevent nursing home abuse, carefully research and vet potential facilities before choosing one for your loved one. Visit the facility in person, ask about staff training and safety protocols, and observe the interactions between residents and caregivers. Stay involved in your loved one’s care, maintain open communication with staff members, and be vigilant for any signs of mistreatment.
What Are the Legal Repercussions for Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a serious offense that can result in both civil and criminal penalties for perpetrators. Depending on the nature and severity of the abuse, individuals and facilities may face fines, license revocation, or criminal charges such as assault, fraud, or neglect.
To conclude, nursing home abuse inflicts profound harm on its elderly victims, leaving behind unseen scars that can last a lifetime. From physical injuries to emotional trauma, the impact of abuse extends far beyond the immediate mistreatment. It diminishes the quality of life for seniors and erodes their sense of dignity and self-worth.
