Older people often need assistance with everyday tasks. As people age, their physical and cognitive abilities may decline, and they may have difficulty completing activities they once found very easy to do. Many families make the choice to have their elderly loved one live in a care facility, such as a nursing home, so that person can receive proper care.
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home in Wyoming, you may worry about that person’s safety. Sadly, nursing home negligence and abuse happen all too often around the nation. However, there are measures you can take to combat this problem, including gaining an understanding of elder abuse and what to do if you suspect someone you love is a victim.
Types of elder abuse
There are several types of abuse, and according to one state’s Department of Aging, some types happen more often than others. Here is a list of the different types of elder abuse in order of commonality:
- Financial abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect of a passive nature
- Self-neglect
- Physical abuse
- Active and willful deprivation
- Isolation and confinement
- Sexual abuse
Though abuse can happen to any elderly person, regardless of age or background, it happens most often to women and those who are mentally impaired, such as those with dementia. Those who need any type of assistance, those isolated from others or those under the care of someone with substance abuse problems are also at a higher risk of elder abuse.
How do I know if someone is abusing my loved one?
There are several indicators that someone you care about is a victim of elder abuse in a nursing home or another care facility. If that person is losing weight or dehydrated for an unknown reason, that is often a sign. Bed sores or other unexplained physical trauma may also indicate abuse. Generally, if you see something that gives you cause to wonder, it may be worth following up with the proper authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or law enforcement.
Even after reaching out to authorities, you may want to consider your legal options. If you think your loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence or abuse, you have every right to ask questions. You and your loved one deserve justice.
