Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Sadly, abuse of nursing home residents is an all-too-common problem across the US. While many people think of abuse as a purely physical type of harm, this is not an accurate perception. Even without laying a hand on a person, an abuser can cause serious psychological harm, which can affect the victim’s life just as much as physical abuse.
Three Categories of Abuse
Most forms of abuse are physical, psychological, or sexual. The differences between them are outlined below:
Physical abuse typically refers to any kind of pain or bodily harm inflicted on someone. This commonly takes the form of striking, throwing, and other assaults. Unlike many other kinds of abuse, the signs of physical abuse can sometimes (but not always) include visible signs like bruises. Because of its visibility, family members may notice this kind of abuse sooner than others. However, it is rare for abuse victims to only experience physical violence.
Emotional and psychological abuse may be even more common than physical abuse. It includes insults, degrading language, manipulation, threats, and other attempts to control or dehumanize victims. This kind of treatment can cause psychological harm that is just as serious as physical injuries. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this kind of abuse can be difficult to recognize, especially if the victim is already suffering from dementia or other mental disorders.
Sexual abuse is sometimes considered a type of physical abuse, but it can extend beyond that. Unwanted sexual interactions of any kind are abusive, whether they involve physical actions or lewd language. Regardless of its form, sexual abuse can be profoundly traumatizing.
There is no excuse for abusing a vulnerable patient or allowing this behavior to continue among one’s employees. If you believe a loved one has been victimized by nursing home staff members, our Kankakee nursing home abuse attorneys can help you decide what steps to take next.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse, even if it does not involve any physical harm, you are entitled to take action. With the help of the compassionate Kankakee nursing home malpractice lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C., you can seek justice. Contact us today at (815) 929-9292.
