Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Intentional physical abuse of nursing home residents is more prevalent than most anyone would expect. Federal and state laws intended to prevent such abuse are not greatly effective at doing so.

Staff members who were improperly hired, poorly trained or inadequately supervised sometimes use physical force to control or punish residents. Isolation is another form of abuse, as is withholding food and water. Overuse of physical restraints or psychotropic drugs for the convenience of staff is abusive. Sexual assault by employees or other residents is especially abhorrent. Rough treatment of residents is all too common.

Sometimes, physical or emotional abuse comes at the hands of other residents. Nursing homes and other care facilities have an obligation to detect such behavior and stop it.

Physical abuse must not be tolerated, and those who inflict it must be punished, including the owners of offending care facilities.

Signs of Possible Physical Abuse in a Nursing Home

Because many nursing home residents have difficulty communicating, or are reluctant to do so for fear of retaliation, family members must be alert to signs of possible abuse, which include:

• Unexplained bruising
• Tender areas
• Cuts
• Wounds
• Broken bones
• Withdrawal
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Other changes in demeanor
• Fear of staff

If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, assisted living facility or group home, please contact us immediately. We want to help you stop the illegal conduct and protect against it happening again—to your loved one or anyone else.

Our Lawyers Can Help You

Our injury lawyers and staff want to help you, in the unfortunate event that you need our help.  Just e-mail or call us for a free, no obligation, confidential consultation.  

For free answers to your questions about injuries or a death occurring in a nursing home, assisted living center or group home, just complete our convenient online contact form.