Nursing homes are supposed to be a safe place for seniors to live while receiving medical care and assistance with daily activities. Unfortunately, elder abuse does sometimes occur in these types of facilities. The effect of this abuse can be serious in terms of the mental and physical health of the victim as well as the consequences to their families and the legal penalties faced by the caregiver if they are found guilty of abuse
Effects On Victims
Elder abuse can come in several forms, including physical, mental, sexual, financial abuse and neglect. Some signs of physical and sexual abuse are unexplained bruising, broken bones and bloody clothes. Neglect can lead to bedsores, infection and illness. Financial abuse is usually apparent by unexplained withdrawals from the senior's checking account. Mental consequences can range from withdrawal and isolation to mood swings and other personality changes.
Effects On Victim's Families
Family members of the abused will likely struggle to cope with feelings of guilt, anger and shock once they find out that their loved one is a victim of elder abuse. They may also face financial hardships related to transferring the senior from one facility to another or into their home, paying for medical treatment for the senior as a result of the abuse and possible legal costs if they choose to file suit against the abuser and/or the nursing home facility.
Effects On Nursing Home Facilities And Workers Accused Of Abuse
In some states, doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals are required by law to report all suspected cases of elder abuse. False accusations of abuse can be detrimental both to the facility in terms of reputation and to the accused in terms of possible legal action. Nursing home workers found guilty of elder abuse face suspension of their professional licenses in addition to legal fees and possible jail time.
Tags: elder abuse, found guilty, possible legal