Understanding the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious problems. A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that “10% of all people over the age of 65 experience some form of abuse.” It is an alarming figure—especially since the true rate of elder abuse may even be higher since it is a systemically underreported issue. There are many different types of abuse in nursing homes. At Jordan Law Center, our Greenville nursing home abuse attorney helps victims and families get justice.

The Four Most Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of harm that comes to elderly residents within a long-term care facility. It is a broad term that encompasses physical, emotional, sexual, or financial mistreatment. Some of the most common types of nursing home abuse in South Carolina include

  • Physical Abuse (By Staff): No vulnerable nursing home resident should ever be subject to poor treatment—especially physical abuse—by staff. Physical abuse by staff members in a nursing home can take many different forms—from hitting, pushing, or improperly using restraints. Staff members may engage in this abuse due to frustration, inadequate training, or understaffing. It can lead to aggressive, downright dangerous behavior. Some common warning signs of this abuse include unexplained injuries, bruises, or fearfulness in the presence of certain staff members. Far too often, physical abuse by staff members in nursing homes goes underreported due to fear or the resident’s inability to communicate.
  • Physical Abuse (By Other Residents): Physical abuse may also be committed by another resident of the facility. In many cases, physical abuse by other residents happens because these residents are struggling with cognitive impairments or emotional regulation issues. It is a type of abuse that might manifest as hitting, biting, or pushing. Some contributing factors include overcrowding, lack of proper supervision, and inadequate separation of residents with aggressive tendencies.
  • Psychological Abuse: Not all nursing home abuse is physical. Psychological abuse in nursing homes can include verbal assaults, actionable threats, or other forms of emotional manipulation by staff or other residents. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and serious social isolation. It is a type of abuse that can take the form of yelling, humiliating, scapegoating, or ignoring a resident’s needs. Notably, psychological abuse can be particularly damaging as it can be subtle and ongoing, making it hard to recognize and prove.
  • Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation in nursing homes involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets. Staff members or other residents might steal from, coerce, or manipulate the elderly into giving away money, changing their will, or disclosing financial information. Unfortunately, in many cases, the financial exploitation of a nursing home abuse victim can go unnoticed for months or even longer.

The Four Most Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect is another type of mistreatment. The term refers to the failure of caregivers in long-term care facilities to meet the basic needs or ensure the well-being of residents. Some of the most common examples of nursing home neglect in South Carolina include:

  • Dehydration and Malnutrition: Dehydration and malnutrition can happen when a nursing home resident’s most fundamental needs are not met. Unfortunately, it can lead to severe, even life-threatening medical complications. If a resident is dehydrated and/or malnourished, that is a sign of neglect. Proper staffing and proper staff training can prevent dehydration and malnutrition.
  • Poor Hygiene Practices: Many nursing home residents need help with personal care, including bathing, tooth brushing, and grooming. Bad hygiene indicates neglect. It is a serious health risk as it can contribute to infection risk, other diseases, and an overall decline in quality of life.
  • Lack of Mobility Support: Lack of mobility support in nursing homes refers to the insufficient assistance provided to residents who need help with walking, transferring, or engaging in physical activities. Mobility support failures can contribute to muscle atrophy and further mobility deterioration.
  • Emotional/Social Isolation: Emotional and social isolation in nursing homes occurs when residents are left alone for extended periods without social interaction or emotional support from staff or peers. It is a form of nursing home neglect that can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and other adverse mental health issues.

Facilities in South Carolina Must Be Held Accountable for Resident Abuse in Nursing Homes

The decision to move an elderly parent or other vulnerable loved one into a nursing home is a big one. When long-term care facilities fail to provide proper support, they must be held accountable.

Nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect always demand urgent action. If you suspect a problem, consult with a top Greenville, SC nursing home abuse lawyer right away. Our attorney can review your case, answer questions, and take action to protect your loved one.

How Our South Carolina Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Can Help

Nursing home abuse and neglect claims should always be handled with the highest degree of care and sensitivity. Our founding attorney William A. Jordan III is an experienced South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney. With a record of client testimonials and case results, Attorney Jordan is devoted to personalized legal representation. Our firm handles nursing home abuse and neglect claims on a contingency basis. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid.

Contact Our Greenville Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer for Help With Resident Abuse

At Jordan Law Center, our Greenville nursing home abuse attorney provides justice-driven advocacy to the people who need help the most. Was your vulnerable loved one the victim of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect? We are here to help. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online to arrange a free review of your case. With a legal office in Greenville, we represent nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect victims throughout the entire region.

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