What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, and How You Can Report it?

Nursing homes are a good option for older adults who need care that is difficult to provide at home. These facilities are designed to support individuals who may be dealing with chronic health conditions, mobility issues, or cognitive impairments that prevent them from living independently. However, despite their purpose, nursing homes are not without significant risks.

One of the most pressing concerns is the prevalence of abuse and neglect within these institutions. Various studies have highlighted that nursing home abuse is a widespread issue, often attributed to factors such as understaffing, lack of proper training, or caregiver misconduct. According to a study, more than 2.5 million elderly residents in nursing homes across the United States face a significantly higher risk of being abused or neglected than older adults who continue to live independently. This statistic is particularly troubling given that many nursing home residents are elderly individuals who may be physically weak and reliant on staff for assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

The consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect can be devastating. Physical and emotional harm can result from poor care, leading to a decline in residents' overall health and well-being. In severe cases, neglect or abuse can even lead to the death of a resident.

While nursing homes are intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for elderly individuals, it is critical to remain vigilant about the potential for abuse and neglect, understand the factors that contribute to these issues, and advocate for improved standards of care within these facilities.

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse is a form of elder abuse that occurs among residents of nursing facilities. It happens when caregivers harm a resident, either intentionally or unintentionally. The term nursing home abuse covers a wide range of actions as well as inaction (neglect) that can lead to harm to the residents. It takes the following form: following forms: physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and neglect.

Nursing home neglect occurs when residents are purposely deprived of the proper care and attention they require. Nursing home neglect can result in physical harm, illness, and even death. 

Although nursing home neglect is a type of elder abuse, it is defined by a lack of action to meet caregiving responsibilities rather than through direct abusive behavior. Unlike outright abuse, neglect does not typically involve violent actions toward residents, but it still poses significant risks and dangers.

How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is a serious and prevalent issue in the United States. In 2017, the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) recorded more than 201,000 complaints of abuse and neglect by nursing home residents, their families, and other concerned individuals.

However, many nursing home abuse cases are unreported for numerous reasons, such as fear of reporting the incidents by residents, dependency on the offender, inability to report because of physical limitations or cognitive impairments, and outright tampering with evidence to protect the image of the nursing facility and staff.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, there have been few studies investigating the prevalence of mistreatment in nursing homes. However, a recent systematic review that collected self-reported abuse data from residents found high levels of institutional abuse. The reported prevalence rates for different types of abuse were: psychological abuse (33.4%), physical abuse (14.1%), financial abuse (13.8%), neglect (11.6%), and sexual abuse (1.9%). These home abuse statistics show that abuse and neglect are prevalent in nursing facilities.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes can be recognized through various physical and behavioral signs shown by residents. These signs may differ based on several factors, including the abuse's type, severity, duration, and context. Additionally, the specific indicators of nursing home abuse can vary depending on each resident's physical and cognitive health, social connections, and emotional well-being. It's important to remember that each individual may display unique signs of abuse or neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is often identified by visible injuries such as bruises, abrasions, welts, lacerations, or rope marks. The resident may show signs of physical abuse, such as open wounds, cuts, punctures, and untreated injuries that are healing at different stages. There may also be obvious signs of physical restraint or punishment. Additional indicators include bite marks, signs of strangulation, broken eyeglasses or frames, bleeding, and sudden changes in behavior.

Emotional and Behavioral Abuse

Emotional and behavioral abuse indicators are usually subtle and difficult to identify. In most cases, you must have some relationship with the resident to identify them. Signs that a resident in a nursing home is being abused include emotional distress or agitation, withdrawal from activities of daily life, uncommunicative or non-responsive, and feelings of despair. It may also manifest as behaviors commonly attributed to dementia, such as sucking, biting, and rocking.

Environmental Red Flags

One way to identify nursing home abuse is by examining the living conditions in the facility. Signs of abuse can include dirty or unsanitary environments, lack of supervision, and not enough attention given to residents. Other red flags may be withholding medications, not providing enough food, or ignoring necessary treatments.

Many older residents in long-term care facilities have disabilities or are frail, making it difficult for them to protect themselves from harmful situations. As a result, nursing homes are responsible for creating safe and supportive environments that meet the needs of their residents.

How Can You Report Nursing Home Abuse?

There are several effective methods for reporting nursing home abuse, but it is vital to thoroughly assess the situation before taking any action. First, gather all relevant information about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and the names of individuals involved. Confirming that the incident is indeed a case of nursing home abuse is essential, as it helps ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Once you have established that an incident qualifies as nursing home abuse, the next step is to determine which agency or organization is best equipped to handle the situation. For many instances, your initial action should be to reach out to a nursing home abuse hotline, which can provide guidance and support on the next steps to take.

In cases of severe abuse, such as physical harm, emotional distress, or neglect that poses an immediate risk to the resident’s health and safety, it is crucial to report the incident without delay to your state or local Adult Protective Services (APS) office. This agency is specifically designed to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and can take necessary protective measures to ensure the well-being of the affected individuals.

Nursing Home Abuse Hotline and Authorities

Families who suspect nursing home abuse have several important avenues for reporting their concerns. They can start by calling a dedicated abuse hotline specializing in elder care issues. Families can also use the Eldercare locator to find local reporting resources. Alternatively, they can report nursing home abuse to the local police.

Additionally, they can reach out to an ombudsman to provide support and advocacy for residents of nursing homes. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen serve as advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. With resident consent, they investigate allegations of abuse, help resolve complaints, protect resident rights, and work to improve the quality of life for long-term care residents. It's also advisable to contact your state or local Adult Protective Services office, which is responsible for investigating reports of abuse and neglect among vulnerable populations. 

For those seeking further guidance, the National Center on Elder Abuse serves as a valuable resource, offering detailed information on how to report incidents of abuse, where to access help, and outlining state laws related to elder abuse and neglect.

Having discussed the prevalence of nursing home abuse and the forms it may take, it's essential to recognize that placing your loved ones, such as parents, uncles, or aunts, in these homes constitutes merely one aspect of ensuring their adequate care. The other aspect involves consistently monitoring their well-being to ascertain that they are receiving proper attention. Anyone who suspects instances of nursing home abuse bears the responsibility of reporting such incidents, as doing so may significantly affect a resident's safety and quality of life.