Nursing Home Abuse Stories: Putting Concern Into Action

Do you know the signs of nursing home abuse? Would you know what to do if you saw them? This blog explores five hypothetical case studies related to nursing home abuse symptoms.

As nursing home abuse lawyers, we see tragic instances of nursing home abuse cases every day. With some nursing home residents’ abuse, a relative or caregiver did the right thing and trusted their instincts right away; in other cases, they delayed involving medical and legal professionals, and their loved one’s situation worsened.

At MattLaw, we pride ourselves in arming Floridians with the knowledge they need to keep their elderly loved ones safe in nursing homes and adult daycare facilities. Victims of nursing home abuse often can’t speak for themselves; this is why it’s essential for their loved ones to know the signs of abuse in nursing home facilities.

Here, we have compiled five fictional stories, divided by types of abuse, to help illustrate the myriad of ways nursing home abuse can present.

Read More from MattLaw: Nursing Home Abuse: Learn the Facts, Recognize the Signs

Need a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney? Call MattLaw Now: 813-222-2222.

Case Study #1

Annika visits her grandfather at his assisted living facility once a week. Lately, she has noticed that he has what appear to be rope burns on his forearms, as well as abrasions on his face and neck. He flinches whenever Annika reaches out for a hug, which is unusual for a man who is generally affectionate and agreeable.

Type Of Nursing Home Abuse: PHYSICAL

Physical elder abuse involves the intentional use of force against an elderly person, leading to physical harm or injury. This can include actions such as hitting, slapping, shoving, or restraining the elderly individual. Bruises, cuts, and broken bones are common indicators of such abuse. Often, the abuser is a caregiver, family member, or someone in a position of trust, exploiting their vulnerability.

In this case, Annika’s grandfather may exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, or depression as a result of his mistreatment. Physical elder abuse not only causes immediate pain and suffering but can also have long-term health consequences, further diminishing the victim’s quality of life.

Case Study #2

Ray, now 85 years old, has always been the life of the party. Ever since his dementia diagnosis, he’s had a harder time remembering names and dates, but he’s generally quick to offer a smile. Lately, when his wife visits him at his memory care facility, Ray is slow to make eye contact and shows hesitance in engaging with others. Most worryingly, he has been showing signs of fearfulness, especially at night when the overnight staff begins their shift.

Type Of Nursing Home Abuse: EMOTIONAL

Emotional elder abuse involves the deliberate infliction of psychological pain, distress, or anguish on an elderly person. This can take the form of verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or harassment. The abuser may isolate the elderly individual from friends, family, and social activities, leaving them feeling lonely and helpless. Signs of emotional abuse include changes in the elder’s behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or unexplained fearfulness. 

Ray is showing classic signs of emotional elder abuse; this may also be accompanied by signs of low self-esteem and an overall decline in his mental well-being. Emotional elder abuse, though less visible than physical abuse, can have severe and lasting impacts on the victim’s mental health and quality of life. It is critically important to know the signs and address them early, especially with loved ones suffering from memory loss.

Case Study #3

Jason loves to visit his mother in her nursing home, but lately, she’s been acting peculiar. She does not want visitors nearly as often, and when her grandkids come by, she’s distracted and withdrawn. While she used to enjoy aqua aerobics, she now mostly stays in her room with her shutters drawn. During a routine visit, Jason noticed blood stains on her bedding.

Type Of Nursing Home Abuse: SEXUAL

Sexual elder abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior directed toward an elderly person. This can include unwanted touching, sexual assault, or coerced nudity. Often, the abuser is someone the elder trusts, such as a caregiver or family member, exploiting their vulnerability and dependency. 

Sexual abuse can be a source of tremendous shame for the victim; some instances go unreported for years. Sexual elder abuse profoundly affects the victim’s physical and psychological well-being, leading to lasting trauma and a diminished sense of safety and dignity.

Jason should be proactive in ensuring his mother’s safety and be on the lookout for physical signs, such as bruises or bleeding in the genital area, as well as emotional signs like withdrawal, anxiety, or sudden changes in behavior. While this can be uncomfortable to talk about, it is extremely important to broach this subject with your loved ones if you sense they may have been violated.

Case Study #4

Richard’s elderly father has always been financially generous with his kids, especially around birthdays. This year, Richard received only a card, which struck him as strange; a quick audit of his father’s savings account revealed a substantial sum of money missing through a single transaction. When questioned, Richard’s father revealed that he’s received a phone call from the IRS, and had given them access to his finances to resolve a tax matter.

Type Of Nursing Home Abuse: FINANCIAL

Financial elder abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s funds, property, or assets. This abuse is often perpetrated by someone the elder trusts—a family member, caregiver, or financial advisor—but can also be perpetrated by a person or party looking to exploit their vulnerability for personal gain.

Common forms of elder financial abuse include unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts, misuse of credit cards, forging signatures, and coercing the victim into financial transactions or changes in legal documents like wills and property deeds.

Even though Richard’s father authorized the bank account changes, he may still be able to recover money from this scam with appropriate legal action. Speaking to a nursing home abuse attorney is a critical first step to recovering from elder financial abuse.

Case Study #5

Lisa’s mother lives in another state and requires daily care due to ailing physical health. Lisa hired a new live-in caregiver to assist with her mother’s bathing, meals, and medications. During their weekly phone calls, Lisa has noticed that her mother sounds weaker. When Lisa visited last week, her mother’s hair was stringy and dirty; Lisa also noticed a putrid smell permeating her house. Her mother was withdrawn, depressed, and fearful.

Type Of Nursing Home Abuse: NEGLECT

Elder neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide the necessary care and assistance that an elderly person needs; this includes adequate food, water, medical care, hygiene, or simply a safe living environment. Elder neglect is a result of either intentional disregard or an inability to fulfill caregiving responsibilities. Signs of elder neglect include malnutrition, dehydration, untreated medical conditions, poor personal hygiene, and unsafe living conditions.

Lisa’s mother’s withdrawal, depression, and fear are classic signs of elder neglect. While sometimes harder to spot, this form of elder abuse can severely compromise a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life—and contribute to an increased sense of vulnerability and isolation.

The experienced attorneys at MattLaw are here to help victims of abuse, including wrongful death in a nursing home, receive full, fair compensation for their injuries. From investigating your case to filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, MattLaw is here to help. Contact our team today for your free case evaluation: 813-222-2222.

Read more about How To Hire A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney