What are the Long-Term Effects of Abuse on Nursing Home Residents?

Nursing home abuse can leave long-term emotional and physical scars and change almost every part of a resident’s life. Nursing homes are entrusted to provide a safe and caring environment and when neglect and mistreatment occurs, the injuries and losses sustained are often much deeper than what is visible. Below, one of our Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys outlines some of the long-term effects of abuse and neglect for residents.

Long-Term Effects of Physical Abuse 

Physical abuse involves hitting, shoving, pinching, or otherwise making harsh and unwanted physical contact with a resident. This type of abuse can have a long-term impact on an older resident’s health. Even just one instance of abuse, such as a fall after being pushed, can result in broken bones, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. When physical abuse is ongoing, it may even shorten the lifespan of residents.

As people get older, the body cannot heal as quickly as it did when it was younger. Untreated infections, broken bones, and burns can turn into a serious life-threatening health issue.

Long-Term Effects of Emotional Abuse 

Emotional abuse involves belittling, humiliating, isolating residents, and otherwise making them feel unworthy. The long-term effects of emotional abuse are often underestimated. Residents may experience intense feelings of betrayal, fear, and helplessness. This can develop into long-term emotional trauma and turn into anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to a resident’s mental health, emotional abuse can also impact a resident’s ability to think clearly. Patients with dementia may also experience worsening symptoms of their disease and add to the difficulties they are already facing.

Long-Term Effects of Financial Abuse

 Financial abuse occurs when a staff member steals from a resident or, more commonly, tricks or manipulates them into giving them money or including them in important documents, such as their will. The consequences of financial abuse in long-term care facilities can be devastating. Elderly individuals often rely on their savings to cover their living expenses and medical costs. Financial abuse can leave them unable to afford the care they need, which forces families to shoulder the burden.

Isolation

Residents who are neglected or abused often avoid social interactions, which contributes to the emotional trauma they are already dealing with. Nursing home staff members are given a great deal of trust and when that is broken, residents may not want to form new relationships, resulting in loneliness and isolation. Studies have shown a direct link between social isolation and declining mental and physical health. For residents in a nursing home, it can also increase the risk of premature death.

Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Tampa Today

 Advocating for the rights and well-being of your loved one in a nursing home is critical to ensure they do not suffer the long-term effects. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys can help you do it. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the help you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html