7 Common Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Not all harm in nursing homes is visible. Some families notice bruises or sudden weight loss. Others sense that something is “off” long before there’s a diagnosis or complaint. Unfortunately, abuse in long-term care facilities often hides behind routine visits, medical explanations, or silence from staff and residents alike.

Understanding the most common types of abuse in nursing homes is one of the first ways you can protect your loved one. Whether the harm is physical, emotional, financial, or due to neglect, recognizing the warning signs can help you act before it’s too late.

Here are seven of the most troubling types of abuse in long-term care facilities and nursing homes across the U.S.

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force that causes pain, injury, or distress. This type of abuse includes actions like hitting, slapping, shoving, or restraining residents unnecessarily.

Common warning signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones;
• Injuries in various stages of healing;
• Frequent hospital visits; and
• Fearfulness around certain staff members.

It is one of the most visible types of abuse in long-term care settings. It’s critical to document injuries and seek legal support if you suspect your loved one has been harmed by nursing home staff or other residents.

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse is less obvious but equally damaging. It may involve yelling, insults, threats, humiliation, or isolation.

Possible signs include:

• Withdrawal from social activities,
• Unusual mood changes,
• Anxiety, depression, or fearfulness, and
• Reluctance to speak in staff presence.

Verbal abuse is one of the most underreported types of abuse in healthcare, but it can destroy a resident’s sense of self-worth and worsen cognitive decline.

3. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is an unthinkable violation. It includes any non-consensual sexual contact, often involving residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments.

The following are signs to watch for:

• Genital injuries or infections,
• Torn or bloody clothing,
• Sudden fear of being touched, and
• Withdrawal or trauma responses.

Facilities must implement safety protocols to prevent this horrific abuse. When they fail, they can and should be held accountable.

4. Financial Exploitation

Some nursing home residents become targets for their money or assets. Staff or others may forge checks, misuse credit cards, or coerce residents into changing wills or giving access to bank accounts.

Red flags include:

• Sudden changes in financial documents,
• Missing valuables or money,
• Unpaid bills despite sufficient income, and
• Unusual ATM withdrawals.

Financial abuse often goes hand in hand with neglect or manipulation. Families must remain vigilant and monitor accounts when possible.

5. Neglect

Neglect is a form of abuse where a caregiver fails to meet a resident’s basic needs, whether through inadequate staffing, poor training, or simple disregard.

Neglect in a nursing home setting can include:

• Dehydration or malnutrition,
• Poor hygiene or soiled bedding,
• Untreated infections or injuries, and
• Wandering or falls due to lack of supervision.

Many victims of nursing home abuse and neglect suffer in silence. Regular visits and careful observation are crucial in identifying patterns of poor care.

6. Medical Negligence

Failing to provide appropriate medical care or medication management can lead to serious complications. That is especially true for residents with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.

Examples of medical negligence include when care providers:

• Skip medications or administer the wrong dosages,
• Fail to follow care plans,
• Ignore symptoms of infection or pain, and
• Do not schedule follow-up appointments.

Nursing home negligence cases often involve evidence of declining health that could have been prevented through timely and proper care.

7. Social Isolation

Isolation isn’t always accidental. In some cases, residents are intentionally left alone or excluded from communal activities as a form of punishment or control.

Some signs of social isolation are:

• Meals taken alone in rooms,
• Lack of participation in group events,
• Depression or feelings of abandonment, and
• Decline in physical or cognitive health.

This type of abuse can contribute to a rapid decline in physical and mental wellness, especially among seniors with dementia or depression.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

No one wants to believe their parent or spouse could be mistreated in a nursing home, but silence puts them at greater risk. If you see signs of any of these types of abuse in nursing homes, here’s how to take action:

• Speak with your loved one privately, if possible;
• Document any injuries or concerning behavior;
• File a complaint with the New York State Department of Health;
• Move your loved one if immediate danger is present; and
• Contact an attorney who handles nursing home abuse and neglect claims.

These steps can help protect your loved one’s safety and preserve valuable evidence for a legal case. Whether you’re still gathering information or ready to file a claim, talking to a qualified attorney is an essential next step.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you suspect your loved one has suffered any of these types of abuse in nursing homes, you are not alone. And you do not have to face this fight by yourself.

At Menkes Law Firm, we focus on nursing home abuse and neglect cases in New York. With over 30 years of litigation experience and a personal understanding of what it’s like to watch a family member suffer in a facility that promised care, attorney Sheryl Menkes brings unmatched dedication to every case.

You deserve answers, and your loved one deserves dignity. Contact us today to speak with a trusted advocate who will fight for the accountability and justice your family needs.