When families decide to place a loved one in a nursing home, they trust the facility will provide compassionate, professional care. Sadly, nursing home abuse is a tragic reality for many residents.
As experienced Ohio nursing home abuse attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter, we have seen the devastating impact of mistreatment on vulnerable seniors. Let’s examine the different types of nursing home abuse to help you protect your loved ones.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is perhaps the most recognizable form of mistreatment in nursing homes. It involves using force to cause pain, injury, or impairment. Examples of physical abuse include:
- Hitting, slapping, or punching
- Pushing or shoving
- Rough handling during care routines
- Inappropriate use of restraints
- Withholding medication or overmedicating
Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures. Victims may also display fear, anxiety, or changes in behavior around certain caregivers. In some cases, physical abuse can lead to life-threatening injuries or even wrongful death. Nursing homes in Ohio are required to report suspected physical abuse to the Ohio Department of Health within 24 hours. If you notice any signs of physical abuse, it is essential to document the evidence and report it immediately to protect your loved one from further harm.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, can be harder to detect but is no less damaging. This type of abuse in nursing homes involves verbal or nonverbal acts that cause mental anguish, fear, or distress. Examples include:
- Yelling, insulting, or belittling
- Ignoring or isolating the resident
- Humiliating or ridiculing
- Intimidating or threatening
- Blaming or scapegoating
Emotional abuse can lead to depression, withdrawal, changes in mood or sleep patterns, and loss of interest in activities the resident once enjoyed. Victims may also display signs of anxiety, fearfulness, or low self-esteem. In extreme cases, emotional abuse can even lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Ohio law recognizes the seriousness of emotional abuse and allows victims to seek protective orders and legal action against their abusers. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from emotional abuse, document any concerning incidents and report them to the proper authorities.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a particularly heinous form of nursing home abuse. It involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including:
- Unwanted touching or fondling
- Forced nudity
- Sexual assault or rape
- Taking explicit photographs
Victims of sexual abuse may exhibit physical signs like bruising in the genital area, torn clothing, or sexually transmitted infections.
Emotional indicators can include fear, shame, depression, or avoidance of specific individuals. Sexual abuse can also cause long-term psychological trauma and difficulty trusting others. In Ohio, sexual abuse of a nursing home resident is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment and fines. Nursing homes have a legal duty to protect residents from sexual abuse and can be held liable for failing to prevent or report such incidents. If you suspect sexual abuse, contact law enforcement immediately and seek medical attention for your loved one.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide the necessary care and services to ensure a resident’s well-being. While neglect may not always be intentional, it can cause significant harm.
Examples of neglect include:
- Failing to provide adequate food, water, or hygiene
- Not assisting with toileting or changing soiled clothing
- Ignoring calls for help
- Not repositioning immobile residents to prevent bedsores
- Failing to administer medication or provide medical care
Signs of neglect may include malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, untreated bedsores, or worsening of existing medical conditions.
Neglected residents may also appear withdrawn, confused, or depressed. In severe cases, neglect can lead to life-threatening complications such as infections, sepsis, or organ failure. Ohio nursing homes are required to maintain minimum staffing levels and provide individualized care plans for each resident. If you notice signs of neglect, document your concerns and file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health to initiate an investigation.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation is a type of abuse that targets a resident’s money or assets. Perpetrators may be staff members, family, or other individuals with access to the victim’s finances. Examples include:
- Stealing money, checks, or valuables
- Forging signatures on financial documents
- Coercing the resident to change a will or power of attorney
- Improperly using the resident’s credit cards or bank accounts
- Overcharging for services or products
Warning signs of financial exploitation may include unexplained withdrawals, missing belongings, unpaid bills despite having funds, or sudden changes in financial documents. Victims may also display anxiety, fear, or reluctance to discuss financial matters. In Ohio, financial exploitation of an elderly person is a crime that can result in criminal charges and civil liability. Nursing homes have a responsibility to protect residents’ funds and prevent financial abuse by staff or third parties. If you suspect financial exploitation, contact law enforcement and consult with an elder law attorney to explore legal remedies.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud is a form of financial abuse specific to the medical setting. It involves billing for services not provided, overcharging, or providing unnecessary treatments for financial gain. Examples in the nursing home context may include:
- Billing for therapy sessions that never occurred
- Charging for expensive medical equipment not actually used
- Prescribing unnecessary medications to boost pharmacy profits
- Falsifying diagnoses to justify higher billing rates
Healthcare fraud not only exploits residents financially but can also lead to improper or dangerous medical care. Signs of healthcare fraud may include discrepancies in medical records, unexplained charges on bills, or sudden changes in a resident’s medication regimen. In Ohio, healthcare fraud is a serious offense that can result in criminal penalties and loss of professional licenses. Nursing homes that engage in fraudulent billing practices may also face civil lawsuits and fines. If you suspect healthcare fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and consult with a nursing home abuse attorney.
Contact Us Today
At Tittle & Perlmuter, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents and their families. We believe every senior deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and proper care. If your loved one has suffered abuse in an Ohio nursing home, our compassionate attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
