Elder abuse in New York is gradually on the rise, and it is becoming a huge problem for our loved ones in nursing homes. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect the presence of abuse because of underreporting, inconspicuous signs and a lack of advanced systems that people can use to confirm these cases. If your loved one is in a nursing home, here are the common forms of elder abuse and signs you should be looking out for.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when the person responsible for taking care of elderly people fails to do so. For example, if your loved one keeps missing medicine doses regularly, shows symptoms of dehydration, suddenly loses weight, is unbathed and dirty, or has untreated problems, then someone is not doing his or her job. Neglect is the worst form of medical malpractice because it can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Physical abuse
The elderly are very vulnerable to physical abuse because their bodies are not as robust as they used to be. Therefore, any physical force directed towards them could easily cause injury, impairment and long-lasting pain. That said, when visiting an elderly person in a nursing home, look for signs such as resistance to the nursing home staff, fear or confusion, and unexplained or recurring injuries.
Emotional abuse
Abuse that affects you psychologically can alter your way of thinking and actions for years. Unfortunately, the most fragile people in New York nursing homes are sometimes victim to threats, insults, intimidation, belittling, name-calling, isolation and humiliation from people that should be helping them. The signs of emotional abuse can be hard to spot right away, so you should have a serious talk with the elderly person to hear what he or she has to say.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from any form of abuse, speak up right away. You can help save the life of that person and other elderly adults receiving care in that institution.