Currently in the United States, there are approximately 1.6 million elderly or dependent adults residing in nursing homes.  Nursing home abuse occurs when a care facility  harms a patient, causing serious physical and/or emotional pain and suffering and sometimes even death. More specifically, nursing home abuse often involves failure to recognize or treat bedsores, infections or other medical conditions that lead to serious complications.

Families of nursing home residents should learn to recognize the signs of nursing home neglect. Common signs of nursing home neglect include

• Dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and bedsores or other skin breakdown
• Lack of mobility
• Unsanitary or unclean living conditions, such as soiled bedding, fleas, lice, unusual odors, and dirty clothing 
• Hazardous or unsafe living environment or conditions, including extreme temperatures and no running water
• Untreated or unattended health problems
• Unexplained injuries
• Withdrawal, depression, boredom, and isolation  

Generally defined, nursing home neglect refers to the refusal or failure to provide elderly residents with the standard of care required given their medical needs. This  involves meeting the basic needs of elderly patients or residents as well as avoiding pain and harm. Additionally, nursing home neglesct may involve poorly or inadequately trained staff. Nursing home neglect may also include the following:

• Failure to correctly position the body, resulting in bedsores or limb contractures
• Lack of assistance with eating, drinking, walking, bathing, and other hygienic activities
• Ignoring calls or cries for help
• Lack of adequate supervision
• Any other actions or inactions by the nursing home employees that fall below the standard of care

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

• Physical abuse - Typically involves unexplained injuries such as bruises, open wounds, sprains, fractures, dislocations, internal bleeding, and more. These signs may indicate that the resident is suffering from physical nursing home abuse. Any type of slapping, hitting, or kicking as well as over- or under-dosing medications is also considered physical abuse.
• Verbal, emotional, and mental abuse – This type of nursing home abuse occurs when a patient is subjected to verbal or non-verbal acts such as insults, threats, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, and more. Verbal abuse can lead to serious emotional anguish and distress.
• Sexual abuse – Any non-consensual sexual act with a nursing home resident  or employee is a form of abuse including sexual battery and assault, rape, forced nudity, and more.