Physical Abuse

More than 1.2 million Americans* need nursing home care. As the number of our aging population continues to increase, so does the need for quality long-term care. Unfortunately, understaffing and poor training in these facilities often leads to physical abuse of our elderly loved ones.

Physical Abuse of the Elderly in Nursing Homes

Of all the types of abuse and neglect of our elderly in nursing homes, physical abuse remains the most prevalent.

Simply put. Nursing home abuse is any form of mistreatment of older adults in assisted or long-term care living facilities, where the facility and its staff have failed to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to residents.

Has Your Loved One Suffered Physical Abuse in a Care Facility?

Physical abuse of the elderly in nursing homes is defined as any intentional act or act of omission that presents a risk of bodily harm or injury to the elderly individual.

One of the leading causes of abuse in nursing homes is poor staffing. High turnover, poor training and an overworked staff leads to greater risks for residents. For instance:

  • Poorly trained staff cannot provide quality care.
  • Short staffing leads to overworking of the staff who then become tired or burned out making them forgetful and less observant.
  • Failing to provide the staff necessary can lead to caregivers snapping under the pressure and taking their stress out on the residents.
  • Underpaid staff impacts the skill level and quality of caregivers hired.

In a nursing home environment, where the residents are more fragile and conditions like dementia are more prevalent, physical abuse can be very serious.


Types of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Physical abuse varies, but the types of physical abuse seen in nursing homes includes:

  • Physical punishment, such as hitting, kicking, slapping, pinching, pushing, shaking, beating
  • Hitting the resident with an object
  • Pushing or shoving the resident
  • Burning the resident
  • Pulling the resident’s hair
  • Inappropriate use of physical restraints
  • Confining the resident to their room or bed
  • Administering inappropriate medications such as unnedcessary sleeping pills
  • Force feeding

Physical abuse can be committed against any resident but those with memory conditions like Alzheimer’s may be at a higher risk.

Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.


Signs of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Your elderly loved one may be too afraid or embarrassed to admit they have been the victim of physical abuse. The following signs can tell you what he or she will not.

Physical signs to watch for:

  • Unexplained injuries such as wounds, cuts, bruises, black eyes or welts in various stages of healing
  • Unexplained injuries, such as broken bones, sprains and dislocations
  • Falls, fractures or head injuries
  • Infections
  • Marks on the wrists, ankles and neck that could come from ropes or belts (i.e., inappropriate restraints)
  • Internal injuries or bleeding
  • Unexplained hair loss
  • Broken eyeglasses or frames
  • Malnutrition or dehydration
  • Untreated bedsores
Nursing home resident abuse nursing home abuse physical abuse aging population understaffing poor training

Is your loved one suffering abuse in the nursing home?

Other Signs:

  • A nursing home staff member refuses to allow your elderly loved one to have private visitors
  • Unexplained changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as showing fear, stress, anxiety or a strong reaction when a certain staff member approaches, becoming withdrawn or non-communicative
  • Your loved one makes excuses or stories to explain physical injuries
  • Your loved one has injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization

Is your loved one suffering abuse in the nursing home?

Examples:

  • A nursing home staff member refuses to allow your elderly loved one to have private visitors
  • Unexplained changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as showing fear, stress, anxiety or a strong reaction when a certain staff member approaches, becoming withdrawn or non-communicative
  • Your loved one makes excuses or stories to
  • Your loved one has Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization
  • explain physical injuries

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Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

Like many families, you rely on the staff at nursing homes, assisted care facilities and other long-term care providers to give your loved one the proper care. Sometimes physical abuse from the staff is unintentional; other times, it can be very intentional.

Proving abuse can be challenging and building a case takes experience and resources. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Nash & Franciskato will use its extensive network to investigate all aspects of abuse in the facility your loved one resides in, including staff training, staffing levels, and background checks for potential criminal records.

In the Kansas City area, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato are experienced in recovering financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Our personal injury legal team gives you:

  • Over 80 years of combined experience
  • Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
  • Super Lawyers for over 10 years
  • The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
  • Compassionate advocacy for you and your family

Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

As qualified nursing home abuse lawyers, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato will help you answer questions and understand your legal options. We are your advocates and the voice for your elderly loved one. We want to help protect his or her rights. Contact us for a free no-obligation review of your case.

Contact us for a Free Review of Your Case


*Data Source for statistic in opening.


Editor’s Note: This page content was originally written and published on April 25, 2015; it reviewed for content and accuracy on January 14, 2025 and republished at that time.

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