Types of Abuse in Bremen Nursing Homes
It can be difficult for families to make the decision to place their loved one in a nursing home. However, nursing homes could potentially end up being the best option to ensure an elder receives the proper care and medical attention they need. Abuse in a nursing home is tragic, and can a family’s worst fear.
To add to this, abuse is not always physical. There are many types of abuse in Bremen nursing homes families may not even be aware of. As unpleasant as it is to think of, it is important that family members can identify the different types of abuse so they could take the necessary steps should it ever occur.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering abuse in a nursing home, it is important to contact a Bremen nursing home abuse lawyer right away. An attorney could help you take the proper steps and stop the abuse from happening as soon as possible.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, there are many different types of abuse in Bremen nursing homes and they each come with their own warning signs.
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse
- Neglect and Staff Abuse
What Constitutes Physical Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Physical abuse has many forms. Hitting or otherwise causing physical injury, pain, or impairment are all forms of physical abuse. Restraining a resident in an improper or illegal way is also another form of physical abuse. Restraints can be physical, such as bed restraints, or chemical, such as medicating a resident with the intent to sedate them.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any sexual contact that someone does not want or invite. But in nursing homes that prohibit sexual contact between residents and staff members, even if the resident gives consent, there may also be a case of sexual abuse. This type of abuse can also occur if a staff member or other resident tries to have sexual contact with an elder who is not of sound mind and therefore unable to consent.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Like most types of abuse in Bremen nursing homes, emotional abuse can take many forms. Belittling, humiliating, insulting, or treating an elder like they are a child are all emotional abuse. If a staff member ignores a resident or otherwise inflicts pain or distress that is not physical, it could also be emotional abuse.
Just like anyone else, the elderly can sometimes become depressed or angry and this can cause them to stop caring for themselves. They may not bathe themselves or they may refuse to take their medication. It is up to the staff to make sure they care for residents, even when they do not want to care for themselves.
Elderly residents in a nursing home often rely on the staff to provide for their basic needs, as well as sometimes to provide companionship and friendship. When a staff member leaves a resident, whether physically in another location, or they suddenly end that companionship while still working in the home – it could be a form of abuse.
What is Neglect and Staff Abuse?
Whether a staff member forgets to provide a resident with basic care or willfully refuses to, neglect is a form of abuse. Nursing home staff must ensure they properly care for their residents at all times and when they are not, they could be guilty of neglect.
Nursing home staff often have access to a resident’s personal belongings including valuable jewelry, checks, and bank cards. When they exploit this and steal from an elder or convince them to give them money for the staff member’s own personal gain, this is financial abuse.
A Bremen Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Could Hold Nursing Homes Accountable
All types of abuse in Bremen nursing homes can be devastating for the elderly, as well as their family. Anytime someone suspects abuse, they should report it to local authorities, and they also should contact a Bremen nursing home abuse lawyer.
An attorney could help a nursing home resident claim compensation for expenses related to any suffered abuse, including the pain and suffering that may remain with them long after the abuse stops.