Abuse
(Physical, Sexual, and Mental)

Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee

Elderly Abuse
As more and more elderly people leave their houses for nursing homes, the instances of nursing home abuse and neglect are projected to reach alarming levels. Surveys and eye witness reports reveal that this type of abuse is a widespread, under-reported problem.

By law, nursing home residents have the right to be free from physical abuse. But this right is often violated by trusted and undersupervised staff. The injuries an elderly person may sustain are very serious, because their bones are now frailer and their muscles are weaker. This leaves them more vulnerable to fractures and sprains. Older people's skin is also less elastic and easily susceptible to bruising and tearing.

Nursing home abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. It can involve anything from intimidation to food deprivation to beatings. Abuse can occur for a number of reasons: maybe the nursing home failed to conduct employee background investigations, did not train employees sufficiently, or has too few staff members, leading to frustration with difficult patients.

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a caregiver uses physical force that results in the bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment of an elderly resident. This could be violent acts, like beating, hitting with an object, pushing, slapping, kicking, burning, or pinching. The inappropriate use of physical restraint is also a form abuse, as is force-feeding food or triggering a fall.

Some common indications of physical elder abuse include:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Bedsores
• Bruises, black eyes, lacerations, and welts
• Burns
• Cuts, open wounds, and wounds in various stages of healing
• Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries
• Dehydration or malnourishment
• Weight loss
• Sudden change in behavior
• Lab findings indicating an overdose or deprivation of medication
• Caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see the older person alone

Emotional Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse occurs when a caregiver causes pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or nonverbal actions. This type of abuse often includes threats; treating the resident like an infant; verbal degradation, and isolating them from friends, family and regular activities. Emotional abuse is a major cause for concern, because it is usually hard recognize and can leave residents severely mentally disturbed.

Some warning signs for psychological abuse include:

• Agitation or anger
• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Confusion
• Behavior associated with dementia, such as rocking, biting, and sucking

Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse at nursing homes involves any type of sexual activity performed without the resident's consent. Anything from fondling the breasts to taking sexually explicit photos to rape is considered sexual abuse. The elderly are easy targets for sexual predators because they are often feeble and defenseless. Sexual abuse can be conducted by a staff member, another resident, or the elderly person's family member, but in all cases the nursing home has the responsibility to protect the resident.

Signs of sexual abuse include:

• Emotional distress
• Withdrawn or non-communicative behavior
• Bloody underclothing
• Bruising or cuts around the breasts or genitals
• Unusual behavior (sucking, biting, rocking)
• Threatening or ignoring behavior towards family and friends
• Desire for isolation

If you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse, please contact the nursing home injury lawyers at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski. Serving the residents of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, our attorneys can help you recover your damages. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.

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