Identifying Resident-On-Resident Abuse in Nursing Homes

You would not be alone if you were concerned about how your elderly loved one will be treated when they move into their new residence in a long-term care facility. You have undoubtedly heard horror stories of staff neglecting residents or outright hurting them, which is likely why, when you were researching different facilities you were looking for high safety ratings. Still, it is reasonable to worry about a vulnerable loved one. 

There are several cases of staff abusing their residents that are reported every year. However, staff mistreating their residents is not the only potential peril that your loved one could face living in a long-term care facility. Abuse and maltreatment by other residents can also happen and be quite detrimental to the emotional and physical health of your loved one.

If you believe that your loved one suffered from neglect or abuse in a nursing home, then it is imperative that you speak with an attorney to see what you can to do hold wrongdoers financially accountable for their actions. The Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can assist you with this.

How Can You Know if Your Loved One is Being Abused By Another Resident?

It can be very difficult to understand why any resident of a long-term care facility may try to hurt another resident. However, abuse between residents happens and this type of wrongdoing can cause just as much painful harm as abuse by a staff member.

Resident-on-resident abuse in a nursing home can come in many forms including:

• Bullying
• Unwanted touching or sexual advances
• Threatening, screaming, and being aggressive and mean
• Breaking personal property
• Stealing personal property
• Trying to take resources and amenities in the long-term facility away 
• Violence
• Lack of respect for privacy and personal space

A victim of resident-on-resident nursing home abuse may exhibit various signs and symptoms that something is wrong such as:

• Bruising and physical injuries
• Requesting to be moved or relocated
• Mood swings and depression
• Lack of confidence
• Suicidal thoughts
• Problems with sleeping
• Changes in eating
• Weight loss or gain
• Inability to keep up with daily life

Resident-on-resident abuse is a very serious thing. If left unchecked and not remedied, this could lead to a nursing home resident suffering significant physical harm, and emotional distress. Regular and chronic abuse can also be deadly.

Individuals living in a nursing home have a higher likelihood of experiencing some type of cognitive impairment. This deficiency can be the reason why they act out and hurt other residents. Whether this is the case or not, your loved one deserves a safe and caring environment to live in and thrive. If abuse is happening at all, it is critical to take action.

Speak to an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Today

The best way to keep your loved one safe is to stay in regular contact talking to them and visiting them as much as possible. The risk of abuse can be lowered for a resident who others know has an active and involved family looking after them. If elder abuse is happening, prompt action should be taken to stop mistreatment and to recover financial compensation for losses that were suffered from the abuse.

The Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can help you if your loved one suffered abuse in a nursing home. Please call (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free, initial consultation.