Families of Nursing Home Residents Should Watch Out for Signs of Emotional Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a violent act that can lead to serious injuries or death for residents—especially those that are too sick or weak or afraid to fight back or report the incidents. Abusive acts may consist of physical abuse including beatings or sexual assault, as well as emotional abuse, mental abuse, or verbal abuse.
Examples of Emotional Nursing Home Abuse:
• Harassment
• Deprivation
• Threats
• Intimidation
• Degradation
• Manipulation
Emotional abuse may not leave physical signs, but there are symptoms that victims may exhibit that family members should watch out for:
• Depression
• Disorientation
• Anxiety
• Dementia
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Low Self-esteem
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Biting
• Rocking
• Sucking
Causes of nursing home abuse can include a home not having enough staffers, staff members that are not properly trained, and staffers with mental problems or histories of violence. A nursing home can be found negligent if its failure to supervise or hire the proper staffers led to a resident becoming the victim of abuse.
If your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, it is important that action is taken to remove him or her from the abusive environment. An experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer will know what steps you need to take to keep your loved one safe. Your loved one may be entitled to personal injury compensation.
Guidelines for Detecting Emotional Nursing Home Abuse, TransworldNews.com, September 2, 2008
Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes, Nursing Home Abuse Resource Center
Related Web Resource:
Nursing Homes in Illinois, Illinois Department of Public Health
At the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, PC, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers represent clients in Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Lake County, and other counties throughout Illinois.
