Unfortunately, abuse happens with children, animals, and even older adults. It is an all too common problem for abuse in a nursing home setting, too. In fact, 66% of nursing home staff members admitted to abusing residents in a 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) study. Abuse comes in all forms, including physical, psychological, neglect, and financial abuse. Abuse is prevalent in nursing homes because of understaffing, improper training, and staff burnout. These factors cause staff members to react negatively to or neglect a patient since a caregiver cannot respond to an urgent matter. Understanding where the abuse can happen, the signs and the resources available can help protect your aging loved one.

Where can nursing care abuse occur?

Though there is little research on abuse from individuals who age at home, research suggests older people who move to residential care facilities are at a higher rate of abuse and neglect. The definition of residential care facilities is that they are places that offer long-term supportive services such as assisted living, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), nursing homes, or board and care facilities. The reason abuse and neglect are higher is because patients are vulnerable since they have limitations in physical and cognitive functioning and are dependent on others.

What are the elder abuse statistics?

According to the U.S. Justice Department, at least 10% of adults age 65 and older experience some form of abuse each year. The most common type of abuse is psychological and emotional abuse. The World Health Organization reports that 33.4% of residents and loved ones reported psychological abuse. In comparison, 32.5% of staff reported psychological abuse. In addition, older adults with dementia or Alzheimers have a higher rate of abuse and neglect than a person without dementia. Though we do have some statistics, people question how accurate the numbers are since many either cannot report abuse or neglect or are fearful that reporting may lead to retaliation or otherwise negatively affect their lives.

What are examples of psychological abuse?

• Control by preventing a resident from doing what they want to do
• Harassment through insults or taunting
• Humiliation or disrespectful treatment
• Intimidation
• Isolation from friends, family, or other residents
• Verbal and nonverbal threats
• Withholding necessary assistive devices, such as glasses or hearing aids

What are some warning signs of abuse in a nursing home?

• Injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Malnourishment or weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or confusion
• Unexplained credit card or bank transactions or loss of money
• Social withdrawal from family and friends

Who can help an abused or neglected person?

If anyone suspects or knows an older adult is abused or neglected, report it to your local law enforcement agency or Adult Protective Services (APS). The state of California has a Criminal Law Unit that investigates and prosecutes crimes against elders and dependent adults committed by employees in care facilities.

If you suspect Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse, call 800-772-0432.

Another option is to contact an attorney who specializes in elder abuse.

No one deserves to be abused, especially as they age and reach the most vulnerable time in their life.

STAGES wants people to be aware of situations and be a resource for people as they age.