6 Types of Injuries Elderly People Can Suffer During Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a major problem because it affects those who are most vulnerable and least able to defend themselves.
Residents of nursing homes often suffer from physical, emotional, and financial abuse, ranging from verbal and psychological mistreatment to serious physical harm.
Nursing home abuse can lead to long-term physical pain or even death for some victims, as well as psychological trauma that may never fully heal.
Detecting abuse in nursing homes can be challenging since many elderly residents are afraid to report it or unaware of how to do so.
Nursing Home Abuse
It is essential to identify the different forms of mistreatment that older people may experience, as this knowledge enables us to prevent and take action against such maltreatment.
Once identified, you made need to take legal action, hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer like the ones at Nursing Home Law Center to help you seek justice for your loved one.
Here are six types of injuries that elderly people can suffer during nursing home abuse.
Bed Sores
Pressure ulcers (bed sores) can indicate nursing home abuse. They are caused when the skin is exposed to prolonged pressure from lying or sitting in one position for too long.
Elderly residents in nursing homes are especially at risk of developing bed sores due to their fragile skin and limited mobility. When nursing staff fail to reposition residents regularly, this can cause bedsores to develop.
Other forms of neglect, such as failing to provide adequate nutrition or hydration, can also lead to bedsores. If proper care and attention are not given, these sores can quickly become infected and lead to serious medical complications.
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home and notice signs of bedsores, it is important that you speak up immediately, as this could be an indication of abuse or neglect.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another type of injury that can occur during nursing home abuse. Elderly residents with brittle bones are at particular risk, as they can break bones easily if lifted or handled improperly.
Nursing home staff must be trained to handle elderly residents with care and proper lifting techniques. If your loved one has suffered a broken bone while in a nursing home, it could be indicative of physical abuse or neglect by the staff.
Osteoporosis
The likelihood of fractures increases with the condition called osteoporosis, a state wherein bones become frail and breakable.
This health problem poses a greater danger to elderly people who are residing in nursing homes as physical activities tend to be limited, coupled with inadequate nourishment that can be present within these institutions.
Falls
Nursing home abuse can result in falls, causing harm to elderly individuals. Older residents may face the danger of falling due to limited mobility or physical disabilities such as unsteady balance and decreased eyesight.
Poor living conditions within nursing homes may further heighten their fall risk. The consequences of falls can extend beyond fractures and inflict emotional distress that affects seniors’ lives considerably.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection that has spread throughout the body via the bloodstream.
Nursing home residents are at a heightened risk of developing sepsis, which can result in hospitalization and even death.
It is crucial, therefore, that nursing home staff maintain a high standard of hygiene and infection control at all times to prevent such infections.
Emotional Distress
Emotional abuse can cause significant distress to elderly residents in nursing homes, leading to long-lasting emotional trauma. Examples of emotional abuse can be verbal belittlement, threats, and isolating residents from their loved ones.
Not only does emotional abuse take a toll on mental health, but physical symptoms like insomnia, appetite loss, and depression are also likely.
It is important that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our elderly population, especially those residing in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Conclusion
The high incidence of abuse and neglect suffered by elderly individuals living in nursing homes is an urgent concern that demands immediate action.
It falls upon all members of society to guarantee adequate care and attention for this vulnerable population residing in long-term care facilities.
We have a collective responsibility to shed light on such injustices and take corrective measures without delay.
Taking care of our aging population is not only a moral obligation but also critical to ensuring that our society remains just and fair.
The alarming prevalence of mistreatment towards elderly people residing in care facilities is an issue that can no longer be ignored.
It’s up to everyone to ensure proper care and safety for this vulnerable group, with the understanding that physical and mental health issues may arise from neglect or abuse. We owe it to our senior citizens to take steps now to take a stand.
The ill-treatment committed by staff members on older people not only causes physical pain but also emotional and mental harm, which is intolerable.
Additionally, taking action, even if it’s through reporting, becomes vital as we cannot condone these types of malpractices done systematically or ignorantly.