The decision to move a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility is often difficult and filled with emotions. You want to ensure that your family member receives the best possible care and protection in their new home. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are increasingly prevalent issues that can cause immense pain and suffering for vulnerable elderly residents. It is crucial to know how to recognize the warning signs of abuse and neglect and take appropriate steps to safeguard your family member’s well-being.

At Murray, Stone & Wilson, we have extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, as well as other personal injury matters such as motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, trucking accidents, and wrongful death. In this blog post, we will discuss the common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, how to address your concerns, and what actions you can take if you suspect your loved one is suffering mistreatment in their care facility.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, nursing home abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 residents, with emotional or psychological abuse being the most common form of mistreatment, accounting for approximately 33% of abuse in institutional settings, followed by physical abuse at 14%, financial abuse at 13%, and neglect at 11.6%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nursing home residents experience abuse at rates significantly higher than community-dwelling elderly adults. Financial abuse represents approximately 7-13.8% of abuse cases in nursing homes according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, with the condition often going undetected for extended periods due to significant underreporting.

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is the first step toward ensuring your loved one’s well-being. Being familiar with these warning signs allows you to act promptly and decisively to address any concerns or seek legal help if necessary.