It can be difficult to find a place to care for your loved ones as they age. While many nursing homes take good care of their residents, some do not uphold an appropriate standard of care which result in elder abuse. According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), elder abuse is defined as the intentional act or failure to act that results in the harm of someone over 60 years old. The following is an overview of nursing home abuse in the United States and the main causes of nursing home negligence.

What Is The Definition Of Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse primarily occurs while the victim is under the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility. It is one of the most common types of nursing home negligence in the United States today. However, elder abuse can also occur while an elderly person is under the care of a home nurse or even a relative. Below are the primary types of elder abuse seen today:

Neglect

This type of abuse occurs when the caregiver does not meet the basic human needs of an elderly person. A clean place to live, nutritious food, fresh water, proper hygiene, and all necessary medical care are among the basic needs that must be met. Failure to meet these needs is considered neglect.

Sexual

Sexual abuse is one of the most frequent types of nursing home abuse. This occurs when an elderly person is touched inappropriately or penetrated against their will. It is also considered sexual abuse when an older person is sexually harassed, even if there is no physical contact.

Emotional

Emotional abuse is seen in nursing homes all over the United States. The law defines emotional abuse as anything non-verbal or verbal that instills fear, pain, or anguish in an elderly person. Not allowing a resident to see their friends or family is a common form of nursing home negligence.

Financial

The improper use of an elderly person’s money, property, or personal belongings is a common form of elder abuse because it does not benefit them in any way. Some examples of financial abuse include the use of credit cards, access to bank accounts, or selling personal property of a senior for personal gain.

Causes Of Elder Abuse

While there are many causes of nursing home negligence or abuse, some are more common than others. Among them include:

Understaffing

Nursing homes are notoriously understaffed due to budget cuts, overcrowding of facilities, and lack of qualified staff. As a result, some elderly residents end up being neglected. Residents, in particular, may not receive the appropriate medication, scheduled meals, or medical care they require if the facility lacks properly-trained nursing staff available. Many nursing home residents even suffer bed sores, malnutrition, and frequent falls because there is no sufficient number of employees available to help and guide them.
Improperly Trained Or Unprofessional Caregivers

Many assisted living facilities and nursing homes employ staff that is inadequately trained, which can lead to nursing home neglect. Inexperienced nursing staff may not be as diligent in caring for their residents, and many important tasks slip through the cracks. Moreover, caregivers deal with some personal issues themselves that get in the way of their performance. Some of these issues may include:

• Drug Or Alcohol Dependency
• Chronic Fatigue
• Stress Or Anxiety
• Psychological Problems
• Financial Issues

Inexperienced Nursing Home Staff

New nursing graduates and CNA’s often make many mistakes due to lack of experience. Inexperienced staff may harm elderly residents by:

• Not Properly Supervising Activities
• Allowing Residents To Walk Unaided Which Leads To Falls
• Administering Medication Improperly
• Failing To Administer Proper Wound Care
• Failing To Help Residents With Activities Of Daily Living

Who Is Most Likely To Commit Elder Abuse?

While it is impossible to tell for certain who is at an increased risk of committing elder abuse, some people are more likely to do so than others. Some factors that increase a person’s risk of abusing older people include:

• Alcohol Use
• Drug Abuse
• Depression Or Anxiety Disorders
• Poor Coping Skills
• Not Being Equipped To Deal With Issues Older People Face

Nursing home abuse and negligence is a problem that is not reported as often as it occurs. Some reasons for this include embarrassment on the part of the victim, the inability to communicate the problem to others, and not having close family members to report to. Many people think of abuse or neglect as something that will leave physical marks or bruises on the victim, but this is not always the case. Because elder abuse is a growing problem, stricter standards of care should be required of nursing home facilities.