Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Warning Signs
According to the National Association of Nursing Home Attorneys, a staggering 5 million elderly individuals suffer abuse every year in the United States. In a single year alone, U.S. seniors made over 250,000 complaints regarding the poor quality of care, nursing home staff, and facilities in which they lived. But unfortunately, elder abuse is a “silent” crime. Estimates suggest only about 20 percent of all nursing home abuse cases are ever reported. Contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to protect your relative and hold the at-fault party(s) accountable for their despicable actions.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we see the tragic results of nursing home abuse far too often. Families place their trust in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, expecting proper care for their loved ones. But not all facilities live up to that trust. Some residents experience physical harm, emotional mistreatment, and even financial exploitation.
The signs of abuse and neglect can be subtle at first. A change in behavior, a new injury, or even something as simple as poor hygiene can be a warning. Families need to stay alert and involved. Knowing the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can prevent long-term harm and may even save lives. Call us for a free consultation now.
What is Nursing Home Abuse in Nevada?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, but it generally refers to any action that causes harm to a resident of an elder care facility, such as a nursing or retirement home. Most instances of mistreatment are perpetrated by caretakers or nursing home staff, though trusted individuals such as family members and friends may also participate. Roughly one in every 10 Americans ages 60 and above has experienced elder abuse.
In Nevada, laws prohibit abuse and neglect in elder care facilities like nursing homes. Under Nevada Revised Statutes Section 200.5099, it is a criminal offense to abuse, abandon, neglect, isolate, or exploit someone aged 60 or above. Individuals who commit these crimes against elders can be charged with a class C felony. Depending on the severity of the victim’s physical and/or psychological injuries, the guilty party could have their charges upgraded to a class B felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars.
Although nursing home abuse and neglect can be charged as a crime by the state, victims may also have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the facility where the abuse occurred. TEH702FIRM Injury Attorneys represent clients in civil nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
Physical Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Physical abuse is one of the most noticeable types of nursing home abuse. It includes hitting, slapping, pushing, or using excessive force during the care process. Signs often show up on the body and can include:
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Burns
- Marks from restraint
Repeated trips to the hospital without a clear cause should raise serious concerns. Another red flag is unexplained injuries, especially those that are brushed off by staff or lack proper documentation in the resident’s medical records. You might also notice signs of caregiver neglect, like pressure ulcers, cuts, or recurring infections.
Sometimes, poor personal hygiene is not just a sign of neglect but an intentional act of harm. Residents may be left without essential items, such as glasses, walkers, or hearing devices. Every one of these signs deserves attention.
If your loved one is physically harmed in a living facility, they need protection. Report it and consult with a nursing home abuse attorney.
How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse in Nevada?
You can report abuse to Nevada’s Adult Protective Services. To report suspected abuse or neglect in Las Vegas or Clark County, call 702-486-6930. If you believe that the senior is in immediate danger, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office immediately.
Emotional and Verbal Abuse: The Hidden Harm
Emotional abuse often goes unnoticed, but its effects can be lasting. Nursing home residents may be yelled at, insulted, or ignored. Verbal abuse, threats, and humiliation cause deep emotional damage and even lead to depression or anxiety.
You may notice the resident withdrawing from social activities or ceasing to communicate. They may appear anxious around staff members or become frightened when a specific caregiver enters the room. Mental decline can sometimes be linked to emotional trauma. Residents exposed to continuous stress may experience symptoms such as:
- Stopping eating
- Losing interest in daily life
- Becoming confused
These symptoms should never be dismissed as “normal aging.” Nursing home neglect takes many forms, and emotional mistreatment is a serious one. Facilities are supposed to offer not only physical safety but also dignity and respect. If you notice signs of emotional neglect, take action promptly.
Sexual Abuse in Elderly Care Facilities
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is one of the least reported but most devastating forms of mistreatment. It involves any unwanted sexual activity or contact. The victims are often the most vulnerable—those with memory loss, physical disabilities, or limited ability to communicate. Warning signs include:
- Bruising around sensitive areas
- Torn clothing
- Sudden fearfulness
- Withdrawal from care routines
If a resident becomes uncomfortable during bathing or dressing, it may indicate prior trauma. Sexual assault can also lead to infections or unexpected changes in health.
No one expects to find sexual abuse in a care setting. But sadly, nursing home employees and even other residents have committed these crimes. Many facilities fail to conduct proper background checks or supervision, allowing abuse to continue unchecked.
Report any suspected abuse immediately to adult protective services or local law enforcement. Then, contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney at THE702FIRM. Your loved one deserves safety and justice.
Financial Exploitation of Nursing Home Residents
Many elderly residents are targets of financial abuse, especially those who rely on caregivers for help managing money. This kind of exploitation can drain life savings, ruin credit, and go unnoticed until serious damage is done.
Watch for unpaid bills, sudden withdrawals from bank accounts, or missing valuables. If someone changes legal documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, investigate right away. These are common tactics in financial exploitation. Some nursing home employees use their access to steal money, pressure residents for gifts, or forge signatures. Even individuals outside the organization may gain access through phone scams or fake “help” offers.
Resident property should always be secure, and facilities must have systems to protect finances. When they don’t, families must step in. If your loved one has been financially taken advantage of, gather records, flag other financial documents, and contact legal help immediately.
Red Flags in Facility Conditions and Cleanliness
The environment of a nursing home reflects the level of care. Pay close attention to how the facility looks, smells, and operates. Unsanitary living conditions, strong odors, and dirty common areas are all red flags.
Check resident rooms for clean bedding, functioning lights, and working call buttons. Poor food quality, spoiled meals, or skipped meals can lead to poor hygiene and weight loss. These are early signs of home abuse and neglect. Other danger signs include cluttered walkways, broken equipment, or inconsistent room temperatures. Safety issues like these can lead to falls or illness.
A facility that cuts corners on cleanliness often cuts corners on care. If you notice consistent cleanliness or safety issues, it’s time to question how the facility operates.
What Are Other Options Besides Suing?
In addition to reporting alleged elder abuse or neglect to social services, you could also file a report with the police. Remember, nursing home abuse is a serious crime, and authorities will need to investigate the matter to determine whether charges should be brought against the facility and/or its administration and staff. In addition to prison time, perpetrators of nursing home abuse can also face steep fines and other penalties.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we strongly recommend you report any suspected case of nursing home abuse and neglect. You could not only save your loved one but also other residents in the same dangerous situation.
Talk to a Las Vegas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Nevada, you could be entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault party. THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can help. We will aggressively investigate the alleged abuse, collect evidence to prove liability, document your losses, and fight fiercely for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
At our law firm, we know that nursing home abuse is an urgent problem that needs addressing right away. That’s why we are available 24/7 and can be reached outside of regular business hours. We also offer same-day appointments and return all messages within 24 hours.
Call or contact us online today for your free initial case review.