Isolation Puts Seniors at Risk for Abuse

Elder abuse takes many forms. It can involve physical, psychological, sexual, and financial mistreatment and can be found in private homes as well as residential care facilities such as nursing homes. It is generally defined as the knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm to a vulnerable adult.

If you have a elderly family member who is receiving care at a nursing home facility, it is important to be familiar with what characterizes different forms of abuse:

• Physical abuse may include actions such as slapping, bruising, or restraining an adult by physical or chemical means.
• Emotional abuse occurs when a caregiver inflicts mental distress through humiliation, intimidation or threats, verbally or non-verbally.
• Neglect is a failure by caregivers to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care or protection for a vulnerable adult.
• Illegally taking, misusing, or concealing money, property or other assets of a senior constitutes financial exploitation.
• Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

Although any resident can potentially be a victim of abuse, opportunity and vulnerability increase the risks. Residents reporting very low social support face a three-fold greater risk of emotional mistreatment and a heightened risk for all other types of abuse. Residents needing assistance with daily life activities are also at increased risk.

If you or a family member has been a victim of Iowa nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse that has resulted in injury, it is important to seek help immediately. The Des Moines Law Offices of John T. Hemminger has over 30 years of experience in handling nursing home neglect and abuse cases. We hold nursing homes and their staff accountable for their actions. Contact our offices for help today 515-283-2116.