Nursing Home Abuse

Reviewed by Tim Kelly, J.D.
Last updated May 4, 2023

Nursing home abuse is a growing topic of concern among older adults and their children. While these facilities promise that residents will be kept in a safe and comfortable environment, not all places keep that promise. There are thousands of reports of nursing home abuse in the United States each year.

While many nursing homes provide ideal care, some are understaffed and facing poor working conditions, often creating situations where abuse can fester. In these instances, the best recourse is to hold these facilities accountable for the damages they’ve inflicted.

The first step to achieving accountability is to speak with a dedicated local attorney. In your initial consultation, your attorney can discuss you or your loved one’s legal options and talk about next steps.

  • What to look for: “Nursing home abuse can be challenging to identify. Victims of abuse may not be able to communicate with loved ones or be afraid to report abuse because of fear of retaliation. Even serious injuries caused by caregivers can be reported as caused by a fall.”

  • The different types of nursing home abuse: Abuse of nursing home residents is a crime, but it is often under-reported. Some nursing home staff and administrators are never held accountable for abusing nursing home residents. It is crucial to report nursing home abuse so older people are protected and treated with respect.

  • Recoup damages for your losses and injuries: “After finding out about the abuse of a family member in a nursing home, the first step should be to get them out of the dangerous facility and into a place where they can get proper care. However, you may also want to ensure the nursing home is held accountable for nursing home neglect and abuse.”

  • How children of abused older adults can act: “With a growing awareness around the issue of older adult abuse in some nursing homes, people often wonder what, if any, action is available to them. If you know an older person who has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you can get help from a nursing home abuse lawyer.”
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