In most cases, nursing home residents are defenseless against physical attacks and are especially vulnerable to physical abuse. As inconceivable as it sounds deliberate physical abuse by staff members and other residents are all too common in the nursing home industry. Unbelievably, nursing home residents are also victims of sexual assault in nursing homes.
The physical abuse of a nursing home resident can take on many forms, including punching, slapping, biting, beating, food or water deprivation, the inappropriate use of restraints, and over-medicating patients to keep them quiet, docile and easier to control. Sometimes the physical abuse is immediately recognized because there are cuts, bruises and even broken bones. Other times, the physical abuse may be more subtle or not recognizable at all, but the resident may become less sociable or more fearful of a certain employee.
How to protect your loved one from physical assault
Every nursing home and their related corporate entities will condemn any kind of physical assault against a resident. However, despite their protestations, they are not beyond ignoring signs of physical abuse or even engaging in a cover up when physical abuse happens. You cannot rely upon the promises of the nursing home to keep your loved ones safe. To make sure your family member is protected you have to be both proactive and reactive.
Proactive
- As many family members as possible should visit at different times of the day and night. If there is only one person that can visit, those visits should be staggered at different times. Whatever you do…..don’t be predictable.
- Don’t be afraid to “barge in” to your loved one’s room.
- Know by name all employees who have access to your loved one.
- Watch for evidence of other residents who may be potentially violent.
- Get assurances from the administrator that proper criminal background checks were done on all staff members.
Reactive
- Regularly check your family member for unexplained bruises or redness.
- Report all bruises and changes in personality and get documented explanations for each.
- If possible, talk with your loved one about bruises and concerns related to specific people.
- Discuss all concerns with facility management, request changes, and follow up to insure changes are implemented.
- Report all concerns in writing.
- Don’t be afraid to be a pest.
We can help if your loved one has been physically abused in a nursing home
Our attorneys have been successful in resolving cases favorable to our clients and their families where nursing home residents have been physically abused even though the nursing homes had promised to keep them safe. If a family member or loved one has been physically assaulted at a Maryland nursing home, contact Nursing Home Justice Associates at 1-410-825-ABUSE (2287) to learn more about your legal rights.
Nursing Home Justice…..It’s What We Do.
Other Injuries Suffered By Nursing Home Residents:
Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, Decubitus Ulcer
Burns
Choking
Clogged Breathing Tubes
Falls
Malnutrition & Dehydration
Medication Errors
Physical Abuse
Restraints & Bedrails
Sepsis/Infection
Sexual Abuse
Wandering & Elopement