Nursing homes are supposed to be places where the elderly are cared for and can live in comfort and peace. Yet many nursing homes hire negligent staff members who don't care about helping their patients. Instead, they may neglect the elderly, leaving them to suffer terrible ailments or abuses. Elder abuse is extremely common, especially in nursing homes.
As adults age, they become more likely to experience abuse. The rates of abuse are higher for older individuals living in nursing homes or other care facilities.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse in Texas comes in many different forms. Sometimes, nursing home residents may not even be aware that they are being abused. It is important for family members to watch out for any signs of abuse and stay attentive to their loved ones if they are put in a nursing home.
Types of nursing home abuse include:
- Negligence
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
- Overmedication / antipsychotic drugging
- Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Your loved one may not be able to communicate that he or she is being neglected in a nursing home. Staff members in nursing homes often prey on patients with dementia or other mental deficiencies because they assume they will not be found out.
Watch for these signs of nursing home neglect:
- Dehydration / starvation
- Bed sores
- Depression
- Uncleanliness
- Less communication
- Obvious fear
- Heightened stress
- Exhaustion