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Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse F.A.Q.s
I have a friend or relative in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home who I believe is being mistreated. I am not sure whether this constitutes Elder Abuse. What should I do?
A knowledgeable Pennsylvania Nursing Home Attorney can help determine if Elder Abuse has occurred. It is important to contact an attorney if you suspect that Elder Abuse has occurred.
What are the different types of Elder Abuse?
Elder Abuse includes Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, or Neglect. The severity of abuse ranges and can take place over a long period of time or involve a single incident.
Can you explain the different types of abuse that take place in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?
Physical Abuse
Physical Abuse is any force used against an elderly person that causes pain or injury. Oftentimes the caregiver may justify their actions by saying that they were "trying to help." However, any physical injury can be a sign of abuse.
Physical abuse includes any of the following: slapping, shoving, unnecessary restraints, burning, pinching, or kicking. The act of providing less or more medication than a patient is prescribed is also considered physical abuse.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse ranges inappropriate touching to rape. A caregiver is always responsible for making sure that its residents safety is protected. This includes making sure that no resident is violated by another resident.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional Abuse includes any action by the caregiver that causes psychological harm.
Emotional Abuse includes name calling, intimidation tactics, insults, and threats. Isolating an elderly person from other residents and from family and friend is also consider Emotional Abuse.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to meet their responsibility to provide a quality standard of care. Neglect can include failure to provide meals on a regular schedule, failure to provide enough water for proper hydration, failure to administer medications, failure to provide assistance necessary to prevent injury, and failure to maintain the personal hygiene and health of residents taking into account existing medical conditions.
