Physical Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a huge problem in the United States, one that grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second most common type of abuse that elderly or disabled adults suffer from in nursing homes is physical abuse. That is, any type of physical harm that occurs to a nursing home resident’s body.

Although there are different ways in which physical abuse is inflicted, it is generally easier to notice than other forms of abuse and most often affects those residents who depend on others for help.

Types of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

We may think that physical abuse is only hitting or something similar, but it can be more than that. When it comes to the mistreatment of elderly individuals, physical abuse that occurs is generally one of the following categories.

Active

This type of abuse is often the most obvious and it is an act of abuse that is intentional and meant to cause pain or injury. Examples of active abuse are:

• Pushing
• Slapping
• Kicking
• Pinching
• Punching
• Burning

Misuse of Restraints

Restraints of nursing home residents are intended to be used only for medical reasons and only for a short or definite period. Unfortunately, misuse of restraints is a common type of abuse in nursing homes despite it going against federal nursing home regulations.

Restraints used as a form of punishment can be dangerous to residents, especially if the restrained individual tries to break free and causes an injury while doing so.

Using restraints for extended periods can also cause such health issues as:

• Muscle disorders
• Lower muscle tone
• Reduced bone mass

Neglect

This type of abuse is usually not intentional but is generally caused by a lack of resources or understaffing. More information is available about neglect in a nursing home.

Warning Signs to Look For

There are a wide variety of nursing home abuse warning signs to look for; however, the most common signs of physical abuse are usually in the form of unexplained injuries such as:

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Breaks or sprains
• Pressure marks
• Burns

Also, any sudden changes in behavior may indicate something wrong, such as your loved one showing disinterest in activities they once enjoyed or acting paranoid or afraid, especially around specific staff members or caretakers.

Long-term Effects

Elderly individuals who are physically abused may eventually heal from their physical injuries, such as broken bones, but the psychological impact of their trauma is often much greater than we realize. Data from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) shows that elderly adults who are abused have a 300% higher risk of death than those who have not suffered mistreatment.

Some long-term effects of physical abuse may look like:

• Not enjoying the things that used to make them happy
• Withdrawing into themselves and becoming depressed
• Developing permanent health issues or disabilities due to physical injuries they suffered

As with any abuse survivor, nursing home residents who have suffered at the hands of someone else will need time and proper mental health support to truly heal.

Who Could Be an Abuser?

Although we’d like to think that only certain types of people would be the ones to inflict harm on an elderly nursing home resident, sadly, that’s not always the case. Those who mistreat the elderly could be anyone but are usually in one of these groups:

Nursing Home Staff

Most physical abuse is committed by caregivers or nursing home staff. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 2 out of 3 nursing home staff self-reported committing abuse within the past year. They have far more opportunities to be alone with residents and take advantage of or harm them without anyone else knowing about it.

Family Members

It’s an unfortunate reality that some families mistreat each other, and nursing home residents are no different. Some studies have shown that families may be more inclined to commit elder abuse if the resident has a history of abusing their family. If visiting family members of a resident are the ones causing physical abuse, it’s up to the caregivers to step in and keep the patient safe.

Other Residents

Not all nursing home residents are immobile or disabled, and those who can be more active may decide to inflict abuse on their fellow residents. This usually occurs when staff or visitors, or even other residents, are not around to witness the abuse.

If you suspect your loved one is being physically abused in their nursing home or long-term care facility, legal resources are available. Any suspicions can also be reported to the proper authorities to ensure your loved one’s safety and the safety of others in their nursing home.

Ready to take the next step to protect your family member? Contact us for a no-cost case evaluation.