Physical Injuries Caused By Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is, unfortunately, a widespread problem. Data from the National Center on Elder Abuse found that at least one in 10 elderly nursing home residents has suffered some form of abuse while being cared for in these facilities. Moreover, there are an estimated 52.4 million elderly people currently in the United States, a group that needs and will continue to require care in nursing homes. Not only is abuse common in nursing homes, but it’s also difficult to uncover. Because elderly residents are mostly dependent on their caregivers and other nursing home staff to function, it creates a level of vulnerability that can often lead to abuse or neglect. When that happens, the most immediate consequence is physical injuries.

Free Consultations For California Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

At Maison Law, we have an experienced, dedicated team of California nursing home abuse lawyers that will stand up for the rights of your elderly loved one. When these vulnerable residents are abused in nursing homes, it involves a level of betrayal that is shocking and unacceptable. With our experience and skill on your side, we can help you hold these facilities and the people that run them accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

Most Common Physical Injuries From Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of older adults every year. This type of abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Financial

However, among the most distressing and damaging are the physical injuries that can result from nursing home abuse. Some of the most common physical injuries in nursing home abuse cases include:

• Bruises, cuts, and lacerations – These types of injuries are often the result of rough handling by staff members or other residents and can be especially painful for elderly residents who may have thin and fragile skin.
• Broken bones – Another common physical injury in nursing home abuse cases is broken bones. This type of injury can result from falls, which are a major concern in many nursing homes, or from physical assaults. In some cases, the staff members themselves may be responsible for causing broken bones, either through rough handling or by intentionally causing harm.
• Bed sores – Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are another type of physical injury that can occur in nursing home abuse cases. These sores can develop when a resident is left in one position for too long, causing pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. Bed sores can be extremely painful and can lead to serious infections if not treated properly.
• Dehydration and malnutrition – Dehydration and malnutrition are common physical injuries that can result from nursing home abuse. When elderly residents are not given adequate food or water or are unable to access these resources due to neglect or other forms of abuse, they can experience serious health problems as a result. In severe cases, malnutrition and dehydration can be life-threatening.
• Head injuries – Head injuries, such as concussions, are another type of physical injury that can occur in nursing home abuse cases. These types of injuries can result from falls or from physical assaults and can lead to long-term cognitive and functional impairment.
• Dislocations and sprains – Dislocations and sprains are frequently common in nursing home abuse cases. These types of injuries result from falls, rough handling, or other forms of physical trauma.
• Restraint injuries – Injuries from excessive use of restraints are also a concern in many nursing homes. Restraints are sometimes used to control residents who are a danger to themselves or others, but they can also cause physical harm if used improperly or for too long.
• Burns – Burn injuries, most often from scalding water or from other sources, are another type of physical injury that can occur in nursing home abuse cases. These types of injuries can be extremely painful and can lead to serious infections and other health problems if not treated promptly.
• Sexual abuse – One of the most distressing issues in nursing home abuse cases involves the sexual abuse of residents. The physical injuries that result can cause physical harm and emotional distress and can have long-lasting effects on the individual’s health and well-being.

Physical injuries are a serious and common concern in nursing home abuse cases. From bruises and broken bones to malnutrition and sexual abuse, these types of injuries can have long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of older adults. It’s important for family members and caregivers to be aware of the signs of abuse and to take action if they suspect that someone they know is being mistreated in a nursing home.

What Are the Main Causes of Nursing Home Abuse in California?

Because nursing home abuse covers a wide variety of types of treatment, it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact cause. However, there are some root issues that frequently lead to nursing home abuse in California and elsewhere.  This usually includes the following:

• Understaffing – One of the most common and frequent causes of nursing home abuse is understaffing. When this happens–usually to save money by the nursing home company–it means that the ratio between patients and caregivers is very skewed. This means that the existing staff is overworked and overburdened, which leads to anger and frustration that often results in abuse of the residents.
• Negligent hiring – When nursing homes fail to properly screen prospective employees, it puts every resident at risk for abuse. Nursing homes are legally required properly vet new hires through background checks and other credentialing to make sure they don’t have a history of abuse or neglect and that they have the necessary training and education to properly care for residents.
• Poor supervision – Poor supervision is another main cause of nursing home abuse. When staff members are poorly supervised, it means there is no oversight or accountability for their behavior. Furthermore, when staff members are not properly monitored, they may feel free to abuse residents without fear of consequences.

Is Nursing Home Abuse Preventable in California?

The nature of nursing home abuse and the factors that are present mean that it is never totally preventable. At the same time, there are several key strategies that can be implemented to reduce the risk of abuse and improve the quality of life for nursing home residents. Among these strategies, consider the following if your elderly loved one requires residency in a nursing home or care facility:

• Choosing a nursing home with a good track record of resident care.
• Regularly visiting and observing the care being given to your loved one.
• Keeping an open line of communication with staff.
• Addressing any concerns of abuse immediately.
• Being involved in the development and implementation of your elderly loved one’s care plan.
• Reporting any suspected abuse to proper authorities.

Taking these steps may not totally prevent nursing home abuse, but it can certainly mitigate the risk of it happening to your loved one. Overall, the most important aspect of trying to prevent nursing home abuse is to be vigilant. This means speaking up if you suspect abuse, and reporting it to the authorities.

Contact Maison Law Today If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

No nursing home resident in California should have to suffer abuse from their caregivers or facility. At Maison Law, we believe every nursing home resident has a right to receive adequate care and be treated with respect and dignity. When your elderly loved one is being abused in their nursing home, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for a free consultation.