When you think of elder abuse, most point to physical abuse. While physical abuse is a common form, there are many types of abuse that elderly individuals may be subjected to. Understanding the forms of abuse can help bring to light the significance of this issue. Leaving your loved ones in nursing homes may be difficult enough, but the fact that elder abuse is a growing problem in these facilities raises concerns for many families. To help mitigate this issue, here are some forms of nursing home abuse that you should be aware of.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse is an alarmingly complex and devastating form of nursing home abuse. This type of maltreatment doesn't necessarily result in visible physical injuries, yet it can gravely affect the mental and emotional health of older adults. It can easily go unnoticed by other staff and even the family members of the elder being abused. Examples of psychological abuse can include emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and threatening or intimidating the senior. Those who commit psychological abuse often make the senior feel worthless or unimportant and may also isolate them away from family members or friends, making them highly dependent on their caregivers. The signs may not always be obvious, but some signs of potential psychological abuse include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities or family members, unusual anxiety or agitation.

Economic Abuse

Another form of elderly abuse that tends to fly under the radar is economic abuse. Economic abuse involves the misuse, theft, or exploitation of an elderly person's financial resources by their caregivers. Often, seniors subjected to financial abuse have difficulty speaking up, particularly if they are being threatened or intimidated. Caregivers who commit economic abuse may use the senior's money to fund their expenses, or on unnecessary purchases that do not benefit the senior in any way.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is another form of abuse that happens in some nursing homes. Elders are often taken advantage of because of how vulnerable they can be physically and emotionally. This is a serious issue that demands more attention and action. Some seniors may not be able to speak up for themselves, and it's important to remain vigilant in protecting them from any form of sexual abuse. Some signs that may point to sexual abuse include unexplained bruises or injuries, changes in behavior or mood, and anxiety. It's important to recognize these forms of elder abuse and take appropriate action to prevent them.

Over or Undermedication

Receiving the proper medical care is essential for seniors living in nursing homes. That is why it is extremely concerning when over or undermedication occurs. Overmedication happens when caregivers give too much medication to their elderly patients. Signs of overmedication include drowsiness, confusion, and unresponsiveness. Under medication, on the other hand, is when seniors are not given enough medication or are not given their medication at all. This can lead to serious health complications or even death.

Reporting These Issues

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is crucial to report them as soon as possible. Elder abuse, in its many forms, is a pressing issue that requires immediate and unwavering attention. It is important to understand that elder abuse can happen when considering the right nursing home or caretaker for your elderly loved one. It is unacceptable for seniors to be subjected to any type of abuse while living in a nursing home. Your loved one may be afraid or unable to report the abuse themselves, which is why it's important for family members and friends to recognize the signs and speak up. Reporting these issues not only helps the current situation but can also prevent future abuse from occurring.

Conclusion

Elder abuse can have legal implications and is a serious matter that must be addressed promptly. Understanding the different types of elder abuse is important in identifying and preventing any potential abuse from happening. It's essential to raise awareness and encourage more education for nursing home staff and caregivers on elder abuse, including all its different forms. Consulting with a personal injury attorney may be necessary to seek justice for your loved one. When a loved one in an elderly care facility experiences maltreatment or abuse, it's vital to act fast. By seeking the counsel of a seasoned personal injury lawyer, you'll gain invaluable insight into your legal options and be expertly guided through what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. With top-notch attorneys on your side advocating for justice and protecting the rights of those who have suffered emotionally taxing situations, victims will find peace knowing they're not alone.