Nursing home abuse is rampant throughout the country. Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services receives about 88 requests for adult protective services each day, but the actual number of incidents may be much higher.
Some nursing home abuse is clearly evident: severe bedsores, broken bones, bruises and lacerations are obvious signs that something is wrong. Residents may also be able to communicate that they are being abused. Unfortunately, the psychological signs of nursing home abuse are much less obvious.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help. Review the signs below, then call our firm for experienced legal assistance.
What is psychological abuse?
Psychological abuse, also known as emotional abuse, can have devastating effects on older adults. Insults, harassment and yelling are some of the most common forms. Caregivers may isolate the resident from others, manipulate them or threaten them. Because most residents are at the mercy of their caregivers, there’s no escape. Even if they alert other staff members, they may not be believed.
What to look for
Psychological abuse manifests in unusual ways. Look for these signs:
- Anxiety: Your loved one may express worry over things they cannot control, or explicitly state that they’re being abused. If you notice a sudden onset of anxiety, keep a close watch.
- Emotional withdrawal: Psychological abuse may cause the patient to withdraw and isolate. They may avoid eye contact with others, rock back and forth and refuse to speak. This may look like the symptoms of depression.
- Poor physical health: If a resident’s physical health suddenly plummets, this could be a sign of abuse. Some trauma can manifest as physical illness.
- Expressing fear of caregivers: Should the resident express fear of the nursing home staff, take note. While sometimes other factors may be responsible for this fear, it’s a warning sign of abuse.
- Self-harm: Watch for self-harm behaviors. They could be as innocuous as hair pulling or as serious as cutting.
- Self-neglect: Finally, if the resident fails to perform basic self-care tasks (as ability allows), this could be a sign that emotional abuse is occurring.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. We can help protect your loved ones in nursing homes. They deserve compassionate care—and you deserve peace of mind.
Contact me for help with nursing home abuse
Nursing home abuse is common throughout Ohio, but we can work to hold the home responsible. When it comes to negligent healthcare providers, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 today for more information.
