Nursing homes are designed to provide older adults, who require assistance with daily living, a safe and supportive environment. Unfortunately, not all residents receive the standard of care they deserve.
Nursing home abuse is a tragic and often preventable problem that can have devastating consequences, including death.
While various forms of abuse exist, some types can be fatal when compared to others.
The common causes of wrongful death in nursing homes generally include:
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Exploitation
- Medical Malpractice
The sections below discuss these causes in detail. Let’s get started!
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse refers to harm caused by bodily force. This type of abuse can include hitting, pushing, kicking, and even the use of restraints or unnecessary medication.
In nursing homes, individuals frequently fail to report physical abuse because they are afraid or have poor communication skills. But it can cause serious harm, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal hemorrhage, which can be fatal.
Neglect
The resident may not be provided with the necessary care or attention to meet their needs. This can occur when there are not enough staff members or when staff members are improperly trained. In some cases, neglect may also be intentional.
Neglect can lead to severe consequences for nursing home residents, including dehydration, malnutrition, infections, and worsening medical conditions. It is possible for these health issues to lead to death if left untreated.
Emotional Abuse
Although mental abuse is sometimes disregarded, it can be just as harmful as physical assault. Any behavior that causes a resident mental or psychological discomfort, including verbal threats, intimidation, and seclusion, is considered emotional abuse.
An older adult’s mental health may suffer greatly as a result of emotional maltreatment. It can result in anxiety, sadness, and other mental health issues that might fuel suicidal thoughts or self-harm. In extreme situations, emotional abuse can potentially be fatal.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a significant problem in nursing homes, despite the widespread notion that it doesn’t happen there. Any unwelcome sexual contact or action that occurs between a resident and staff or other residents is considered to be sexual abuse.
Physical harm, STDs, and psychological trauma are all possible outcomes for victims of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can sometimes have such a profound emotional impact that it triggers suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Financial Exploitation
If a resident’s finances are mismanaged or stolen by a staff member, it is considered financial exploitation. This type of abuse can also involve coercing a resident into giving away their possessions or signing over control of their assets.
Financial exploitation can have devastating consequences for older adults who rely on their savings to pay for necessary medical care and living expenses. It may result in the inability to afford essential treatments, leading to fatal outcomes.
Medical Malpractice
Many nursing home residents require ongoing medical care. Any negligence or error on the part of healthcare professionals can be life-threatening. Medical malpractice can include medication errors, misdiagnosis, and failure to monitor changes in a resident’s health. Leaving these mistakes unattended can lead to serious complications and even death.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to understand the various types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes. We can stop these terrible events and guarantee the security and welfare of senior citizens in assisted living facilities by identifying the warning indicators and acting appropriately.
So, it is our responsibility as a society to create awareness about this issue and advocate for better care standards in nursing homes. We must also encourage individuals to speak out against any form of abuse they witness or experience themselves.
