Common Types and Signs of Abuse in West Virginia Nursing Homes

Entrusting a loved one to the care of a nursing home is an emotional, personal, and vulnerable experience. You want your loved one to be properly cared for while they are away from you. Unfortunately, sometimes abuse occurs.

Knowing the common types and signs of abuse in West Virginia nursing homes can help you recognize when your loved one is being subjected to unfair treatment and understand how to hold the responsible party accountable.

The Prevalence of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, much of it occurring in nursing homes, continues to be a prevalent issue across the United States and in West Virginia. Notable statistics include:

• About 1 in 10 adults experience elder abuse.
• In 2023, about 21.5% of the population of West Virginia was aged 65 and older.
• About 1 in 6 people aged 60 or older were subjected to abuse in a community environment.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

There are many types of nursing home abuse. These forms can be obvious or more discreet. They can also simply be a sign of neglect. The common types of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical abuse. This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, or restraining a resident. Be aware that some facilities may try to attribute this abuse to falling, clumsiness, or other justifiable injuries. Take notice if signs of injury are recurrent.
• Emotional abuse. Emotional abuse involves yelling, insulting, humiliating, and threatening a resident. While this type of abuse is not as easy to identify as physical abuse, you may notice changes in your loved one’s behavior that may point to emotional mistreatment.
• Sexual abuse. Perhaps one of the most sensitive and devastating types of abuse in nursing homes is sexual abuse. Be sure to look for signs of trauma, pain, or injury in private areas, especially if mentioned by a doctor. Coherent victims may show signs of fear or trauma. Unfortunately, many victims are in some way impaired, leading to their being unable to report the abuse.
• Financial abuse. Financial abuse occurs when staff members or other residents take advantage of an elder’s finances.
• Neglect. Neglect is failing to administer proper care, such as bathing, feeding, and administering medication. Not all neglect is intentional, as it can be a result of understaffing.

Recognizing the Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. Unfortunately, you may not know right away if your loved one can’t or won’t speak about the abuse. There are things to be aware of to recognize signs of abuse. Some of these include:

• Physical changes. Note any visible changes, including bruises, cuts, burns, bedsores, fractures, and sprains. Additionally, if there are frequent hospital or doctor visits without sufficient explanation, this can point to signs of abuse.
• Emotional/behavioral changes. If someone is experiencing nursing home abuse, they may be more withdrawn, depressed, fearful, angry, hopeless, anxious, or agitated than before. They may also experience more sudden mood swings.
• Signs of neglect. Signs of neglect may include dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, unsanitary living arrangements, and lack of basic grooming.
• Financial changes. If there are sudden financial changes, this can point to financial abuse. Examples of this include late bills, empty bank accounts, excessive spending, missing personal items, and sudden changes in estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts.

Local Legal Options

West Virginia provides a number of essential resources to assist families in dealing with abuse in nursing homes. Adult Protective Services (APS), which may be contacted at 1-800-352-6513, looks into elder abuse claims throughout the state.

In all counties, the West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program helps address complaints about care and fights for the rights of patients in nursing homes. Inspections and investigations of care violations are carried out by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse in a West Virginia nursing home, it is wise to connect with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in gathering the evidence you need to make your claim.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Biggest Complaint in Nursing Homes?

A: Neglect is the most frequent complaint in nursing homes, especially when it comes to understaffing and unfulfilled fundamental needs like proper feeding, hygiene, and prompt medical attention. Families sometimes complain about their loved ones suffering from bedsores, falling frequently, or being left unattended for extended periods of time. These worries highlight structural problems that may have a major effect on a resident’s general well-being and health.

Q: What Does a Red Flag Mean in a Nursing Home?

A: In a nursing home, a red flag is an indication that something might be wrong with a resident’s environment or care. Unknown injuries, abrupt mood swings, filthy surroundings, or staff members dodging inquiries are a few examples. Since these indicators could point to more serious problems like abuse, neglect, or care standards violations that endanger residents, they should be looked into immediately.

Q: What Are Signs That Abuse or Neglect Has Taken Place?

A: Common signs that indicate abuse or neglect have taken place in a nursing home can include injuries, abrupt weight loss, fearfulness, poor hygiene, or behavioral abnormalities. They present significant issues that demand more investigation, even though they are not proof of abuse in and of themselves. Early detection of these symptoms enables authorities and families to step in and shield the resident from additional harm.

Q: How Do You Prove Nursing Home Abuse?

A: You can prove nursing home abuse by having evidence to show that abuse has occurred. Medical documents, injury photos, witness accounts, facility inspection reports, and testimony from professionals are examples of important evidence. Building a solid case can also be aided by documenting complaints, behavioral changes, or recurring instances. Legal professionals frequently aid in the effective collection and organization of this data.

Contact Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, Today

Finding out your loved one has experienced abuse in a nursing home can be difficult. Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, can help you get the justice your loved one deserves. Contact us today for more information.