Types of Nursing Home Abuse

The Different Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect are two distinct entities that could be classified as direct and indirect harm, respectively. Nursing home abuse can take many forms and often leaves its victims confused, scared, and alienated. Nursing home neglect can lead to equally serious consequences, the worst of which is the death of a patient.

If your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Georgia nursing home, please contact our attorneys today. Our free case evaluation form is simple, and the no-cost consultation carries no obligation with it.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. The signs of abuse in a nursing home do not always manifest as something physical, however. It is important that you take note of changes in behavior or appearance, as these can be signs of psychological and physiological torment.

Physical abuse in nursing homes is the most common form of nursing home abuse, defined as using force to cause bodily harm, pain, and suffering. It includes:

Sexual abuse in nursing homes, perhaps the most shocking form of elder abuse, is defined as non-consensual sexual acts with an elder. Abusers often victimize patients who are unable to communicate, or whom no one would believe (i.e., patients with dementia or other psychological issues). Nursing home sexual abuse could be any of the following:

Nursing home psychological or emotional abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member intentionally causes emotional or psychological pain to a patient. It can take any of the following forms:

Lastly, financial abuse in nursing homes occurs when a staff member defrauds a patient out of his or her property, money, or other assets through misappropriation. Staff members may:

Neglect in Nursing Homes

Nursing home neglect is more common than outright abuse, and it occurs when caretakers fail to perform their duties to the standard that a reasonable person under the same circumstances could be expected to perform them. This standard of care can be properly established by an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer, who can investigate and come up with evidence and testimony to prove it has been breached. Nursing home neglect can involve:

Serious neglect results in the nursing home resident being deprived of the essentials for living, i.e., food, water, shelter, medication, safety, and hygiene. This can lead to malnourishment, dehydration, medical issues, and unacceptable levels of hygiene.

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected, contact our Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyers. We will fight for your loved one's rights to fair treatment according to the law and bring the abusers to justice. The quicker you act, the more our attorneys can do. Contact us today for a free consultation.