Risk Factors for Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a common issue that affects some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Many times, this mistreatment results in physical, emotional, or financial harm, and it often develops into physical violence, emotional manipulation, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.

Unfortunately, some individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing nursing home abuse. In many cases, they may be unable to communicate with others about their experiences. Let’s look at a few risk factors that can lead to nursing home abuse.

Residents With Mental Health Issues

In the United States, one in five adults, or about 57.8 million people, have a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health conditions can alter a person’s behavior, thinking, and ability to process events. Unfortunately, that can make them more susceptible to abuse. Sometimes, they may be unable to communicate effectively, understand what is happening, or defend themselves.

Individuals with these mental conditions are often more vulnerable to abuse in nursing homes:

• Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that impairs memory and cognitive function. Over time, the resident may not be able to remember or communicate with others about the abuse.
• Anxiety disorder can make it difficult for individuals to express their concerns, making them less likely to report abuse due to fear or worry.
• Clinical depression causes individuals to withdraw and become less communicative, especially when it comes to abuse.
• Schizophrenia often results in hallucinations or delusions. In turn, if they try to discuss any instances of abuse, they are less likely to be believed.

All these mental health issues make the resident more likely to be targeted by perpetrators. When these individuals are in vulnerable mental states, they are at risk of abuse.

Veterans

Nursing abuse in extended care facilities disproportionately affects veterans. Many veterans require more medical care than others due to the physical and psychological impacts of their service, including conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These facilities often fail to provide basic care and service for veterans. About one in 10 military veterans have suffered some form of abuse in assisted living or nursing facilities.

Understaffing and underfunding issues in these facilities can exacerbate the problem. When facilities lack the necessary resources, this can lead to neglect and abuse. The staff is often overworked, undertrained, or unable to cope with the demands of caring for veterans with challenging medical health and medical needs.

Female Residents

Abuse in skilled nursing home facilities is a concern, especially for female residents. The incidence rates are higher among females. However, male patients are still at risk as well. According to the National Adult Mistreatment Report (NAMR), of the reported victims of abuse, 64.3% were female. The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) also found that 66% of elder abuse victims were women.

The reasoning for these statistics could be due to several factors. For example, women tend to live longer than men, making up a larger proportion of nursing home residents.

Keep in mind that abuse is not gender specific. Men can also be victims of abuse in these settings, and the impact of these actions can be just as devastating.

Residents Who Identify As LGBTQ+

Residents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer face unique challenges in long-term care facilities. As outlined in a PBS News Hour Report, caregivers or other residents may have prejudices against the community, leading to physical and emotional abuse.

Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ residents may feel isolated from others, which could make them a target for abuse by others. They may be fearful of speaking out or reporting the abuse to facility administrators due to worry about being further ostracized by the other residents.

Individuals Without Family

For those nursing home residents who do not have family or friends in their lives, they are at a higher risk for abuse. When someone lacks social support or regular contact, informing another person about the incident can be more challenging.

Also, family members often advocate for a resident’s welfare. When you remove that factor, it can result in the patient becoming more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. In turn, that can lead to decreased monitoring for any symptoms of abuse, with the nursing home resident having more dependency on staff members and other caretakers.

Why These Individuals Are Targeted

Many of these residents are placed in vulnerable situations. For example, those who have psychological or cognitive disabilities may be unable to report abuse or defend themselves. Additionally, these individuals are isolated and depend on staff members and caregivers for their basic needs.

Often, abusers will use these power dynamics to exploit residents, allowing them to continue their abuse. Even worse, many facilities are understaffed and lack oversight. Without supervision, these abusers can continue to prey upon the residents in nursing homes.

No matter what, these factors do not excuse abuse. Regardless of their circumstances, all individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We all need to ensure the safety and well-being of all nursing home residents.

If you suspect abuse is occurring at a nursing home, you have several options:

• Report to the facilities administrators
• Make a report to your state’s adult protective service
• Contact law enforcement
• Consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer

Now that you’re clear as to the risk factors for nursing home abuse, hopefully you can begin formulating some ideas for tackling it if you or someone close to you ever faces such ill-treatment.