Nursing homes, often called rest homes, convalescent homes, or assisted living facilities, provide residential care for elderly or disabled people. A nursing home is typically a facility for people whose physical ailments or limitations do not warrant being in a hospital, but who cannot live on their own or be cared for at home. Care is provided 24/7 by nurses and physicians on staff. Placing trust in these medical professionals can be a big decision for any family, since many patients may stay in these facilities for an extended period of time or even live out the rest of their lives there. The last thing someone would want is for their loved one to experience nursing home neglect or abuse, but sadly, it does happen. (cite index=”6-1″>In New York, the Department of Health received over 3,900 complaints involving allegations of nursing home abuse, mistreatment, or neglect in 2024, but only a small fraction — approximately 129 cases (about 2.5%) — were formally substantiated. If there is evidence of abuse, the nursing home can be held accountable for the harm caused to a person and their family.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, the medical staff who are entrusted to take care of the patients sometimes do the complete opposite and cause them harm. Abuse of a nursing home patient can range from physical to verbal and even sexual. Many nursing home residents may be immobile and bed-ridden due to their physical disabilities. This means they are more vulnerable to certain types of abuse. For example, if a resident is complaining because he or she is in pain, the caregiver might become irritated and hit or strike the resident. Similarly, if a patient is taking a long time to transfer from his or her bed to a wheelchair, the worker may get impatient and push or shove the patient, causing them to fall down. The resulting injuries to the patient can include welts, bruises, lacerations, head trauma, fractures, and more.
(cite index=”1-1″>Physical abuse is one of the most frequently reported forms of abuse in nursing homes. Verbal abuse can involve an employee screaming or yelling at residents, calling them derogatory names, or belittling them based on their physical ailments. Instances of sexual abuse can also take place if a patient is unable to fight back or call for help when a worker forces himself or herself on a patient. (cite index=”1-13″>Elderly residents, especially those with dementia or cognitive impairments, are frequent targets of sexual abuse in nursing homes. Inappropriate behavior by caregivers can be due to mental illness or alcohol or drug abuse. The nursing home should thoroughly vet its employees by running background checks on prospective candidates before they are hired.
Types of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect in a nursing home can happen for various reasons. Many facilities are understaffed, and employees may struggle to care for a large number of patients. If the nurse-to-patient ratio is not high enough, residents can go for hours without a nurse checking on them. If a patient does not receive his or her food or medication on time, the consequences can be devastating, and they may experience life-threatening dehydration or malnutrition. (cite index=”1-16″>In severe cases, neglect can lead to bedsores, infections, malnutrition, or dehydration. Failure to provide essential hygiene care can cause bed sores, which often turn into serious infections.
In addition, if the medical staff is not properly trained or briefed, mistakes can directly affect patients. For instance, if a nurse accidentally dispenses the wrong medication to a patient, he or she could have an allergic reaction. A severe reaction such as anaphylactic shock could ultimately lead to death. The nursing home is responsible for following standards and guidelines to ensure the best care for its patients.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Families should remain vigilant when visiting loved ones in nursing facilities. Warning signs of abuse or neglect may include unexplained injuries such as bruises or fractures, sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal from social interaction, poor hygiene, rapid weight loss, or fear of certain staff members. Regular visits and open communication with both residents and staff can help identify problems early and discourage potential abusers.
Contact a Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your loved one have been physically or emotionally abused during a nursing home stay, you should seek legal counsel. As a patient, you are entitled to certain rights to protect your safety and well-being. A Brooklyn personal injury attorney experienced in nursing home negligence cases can carefully review the circumstances of your case to determine whether negligence played a role in your injuries. The experienced law firm of Goldberg Sager & Associates will work to hold the nursing home accountable and pursue the compensation your family deserves. To schedule a consultation, contact a compassionate New York City nursing home negligence lawyer today at 718-645-6677.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/index.html
