Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Like many families, you likely did extensive research to ensure your loved one will be cared for in a safe, comfortable environment.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of many reputable facilities, elder abuse is still a very real concern in nursing homes across the country.
Though most nursing homes strive to provide quality care, there are instances where some facilities or their staff fall short, potentially putting vulnerable residents at risk.
Inadequate care, neglect, or mistreatment can lead to serious harm, and in these cases, the facility or the staff may be held legally responsible for the abuse.
If your loved one has experienced neglect in a nursing home, the Kansas City nursing home abuse attorneys at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen are here to help. Please contact us right away to speak to a member of our team.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. Some of the most common include:
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, water, hygiene, or medical care.
- Physical abuse: Infliction of bodily harm, such as hitting, slapping, or rough handling.
- Psychological abuse: Causing mental distress through verbal or emotional mistreatment.
- Financial exploitation: Misusing or stealing a resident’s funds or property.
- Abandonment: Leaving residents alone or failing to respond to their needs.
- Sexual abuse: Any form of sexual assault or exploitation.
While all types of abuse are harmful, psychological or emotional abuse is the most commonly reported form of abuse in nursing homes. Let’s dive deeper into this form of abuse and explore why it’s so prevalent and damaging.
Psychological Abuse Is the Most Common Form of Abuse
Psychological abuse, sometimes referred to as emotional abuse, is defined as any action that causes mental harm or distress to a resident. This can take many forms and often goes unnoticed, as the signs are not as immediately visible as physical injuries.
According to studies and reports from nursing home oversight agencies, psychological abuse is the most frequently experienced form of mistreatment in long-term care settings.
Psychological abuse in nursing homes can include:
- Verbal abuse: Staff may use hurtful, demeaning language or insult the resident. This might include calling them names, mocking them, or belittling their physical or mental condition.
- Threats and intimidation: Staff may threaten to withhold care, use physical violence, or even threaten to harm the resident’s loved ones.
- Yelling or shouting: Yelling at elderly residents can be a sign of frustration or a lack of patience. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, or a sense of helplessness in the resident.
- Ignoring the resident: Disregarding the needs or requests of the resident—such as failing to respond to a call light, ignoring requests for assistance, or not providing adequate companionship—can contribute to emotional distress.
- Isolation: Keeping residents away from their families, friends, or social activities, or not allowing them to participate in events, can be emotionally damaging. Isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and a loss of will to live.
Elderly individuals in nursing homes may also experience “institutional abuse,” where they are treated as just another number and are not shown dignity or respect.
They may be made to feel invisible, powerless, or unimportant. This type of emotional abuse can lead to profound and lasting damage to their mental and emotional health.
Why Psychological Abuse is So Prevalent
There are several reasons why psychological abuse may be the most common type of abuse in nursing homes.
- Increased vulnerability: Many residents in nursing homes are dealing with physical or cognitive impairments that make them more susceptible to emotional mistreatment. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, in particular, may have trouble articulating their distress, making it easier for abusive staff to get away with this kind of behavior.
- Underreporting: Emotional abuse can be harder to detect than physical abuse. The effects are not as immediately visible, so it can go unnoticed for long periods. In some cases, the abuse may be minimized or dismissed as a result of the resident’s condition, such as memory loss or confusion.
- Staff burnout: Nursing home staff, especially in understaffed facilities, can experience high levels of stress and burnout. This can lead to a lack of empathy, poor treatment of residents, and an overall deterioration of care. Staff may resort to verbal aggression, threats, or neglect as a coping mechanism.
- Lack of training: Some staff members may not be properly trained to deal with the emotional and mental needs of elderly residents. Inappropriate responses to residents’ behaviors, such as frustration or impatience, can escalate into verbal or emotional mistreatment.
Who Is Most at Risk for Psychological Abuse?
While emotional abuse can happen to any resident, research indicates that certain groups of people may be more at risk.
- Women: Studies show that women are more likely to experience abuse than men, and this is particularly true for psychological abuse. One in six older women report experiencing abuse, with emotional abuse being the most common form (11.8%).
- Residents with cognitive impairments: People with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not always be able to communicate effectively or report abuse, leaving them more vulnerable to mistreatment.
- Socially isolated individuals: Residents who lack regular visitors or social connections are often at greater risk of abuse, including emotional abuse. Social isolation can make it easier for abusers to manipulate and control the resident.
Women Are More Likely to Experience Abuse Than Men
Globally, research indicates that one-in-six older women report experiencing some form of abuse within the past year. The most common types of abuse experienced by women in nursing homes include:
- Psychological abuse (11.8%)
- Neglect (4.1%)
- Financial abuse (3.8%)
- Sexual abuse (2.2%)
- Physical abuse (1.9%)
These statistics highlight the disproportionate impact of abuse on older women, underscoring the need for vigilance and protective measures.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Abuse?
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of abuse in a nursing home, it’s critical to act immediately. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document the evidence: If you notice any unusual signs of distress, physical injuries, or changes in behavior, document everything. Take photos of visible injuries and write down any specific concerns you have.
- Report the abuse: Contact the nursing home administration to report your concerns. If you feel that the situation is serious, or you don’t receive a satisfactory response, you should also report the abuse to the state’s adult protective services or a local elder care ombudsman.
- Contact an attorney: If you suspect abuse, consult with a nursing home abuse attorney, who can help guide you through the legal process. An experienced attorney can investigate the situation, help you gather evidence, and advocate for your loved one’s rights.
- File a lawsuit: In cases of severe abuse, filing a legal claim against the facility or the responsible parties can help seek justice and hold the wrongdoers accountable.
We’re Here to Help the Abused – Call Us Today
If you suspect your loved one has been subjected to nursing home abuse, it’s essential to take action. A skilled Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyer at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen are here to provide you with the legal support you need.
We understand the emotional and financial toll that abuse can take on families, and we are committed to helping victims seek justice.
If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, don’t wait. Call Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen today at (816) 484-3776 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the rights of your loved one.
We handle cases in Kansas City, Blue Springs, Raymore, Raytown, Independence, Liberty, Olathe, Mission, Lenexa, as well as the state of Kansas.
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