Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Nursing Homes: Recognizing and Reporting Abuse
Nursing homes are havens for seniors who need ongoing medical and personal care, yet by their nature may create conditions for elder abuse. Understaffing, unscrupulous management or unsafe practices can all cause more harm than good.
Residents in any state of health can become victims because they must depend upon the good faith of staff members to fulfill their daily needs. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 upholds the rights of residents to proactive care.
Friends and family of the elderly can be on the lookout for signs of wrongdoing and should know when to call an elder abuse attorney.
Criminal acts for which perpetrators may be prosecuted include incidents or patterns of:
- Neglect that leads to physical or mental harm
- Abuse that is physical, mental or sexual in character
- Theft of personal property or misuse of funds
Notice the Symptoms of Neglect
Failure to respond with assistance in walking, feeding or personal hygiene can result in injury or mental damage.
If the resident is immobile, improper body positioning or lack of turning in bed may be the cause of frozen limbs or persistent bedsores.
Progressive weakness may indicate inadequate help in walking or eating.
Poor hygiene can be a sign that baths are skipped or incontinence is ignored.
Find Clues to Abuse
Rough handling from pinching, hitting and scratching to force-feeding is illegal. If a resident mentions these acts or shows bruising or lacerations, immediate investigation is necessary.
A sudden change in behavior or torn underclothes may be signs of sexual coercion by staff or an unauthorized intruder.
Cursing or berating by staff are examples of mental abuse which can lead to physical breakdown.
Refusal to let a family member or counselor interview a resident alone may be an attempt to hide elderly abuse.
Identify and Report Theft
Theft ranges from stealing personal items or clothing to misappropriating residents’ funds entrusted to the nursing home. Warning signs include:
- Sudden changes in a will or power of attorney;
- Unusual or large withdrawals from bank accounts;
- Loss of cash or jewelry.
Family members may request the help of a nursing home abuse lawyer to determine whether funds or property has been misappropriated.
For more information on how and when to report nursing home abuse cases, consult the frequently asked questions provided by the National Center on Elder Abuse.
If you are concerned that a loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group. We will evaluate your case for FREE – 1-888-208-1695.
