Physical and sexual abuse in nursing homes can be perpetrated by staff or by other residents and is especially prevalent in dementia units. Physical abuse may include hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, pulling, and other abusive physical contact. Sexual abuse of the elderly may include taking nude pictures, sexual touching, or sexual assault of the residents. Some elderly and disabled residents are also the victims of psychological or emotional abuse. In these cases, the perpetrators may inflict mental anguish on the victims through both verbal and nonverbal means. Psychological or emotional abuse may include intimidation, humiliation, insults, threats, harassment, and verbal assaults. Financial exploitation of the elderly occurs when others exploit the elderly victims in order to enrich themselves. Some elderly people are abandoned by others, which is more common with older adults who have dementia and challenging behaviors. Finally, neglect of nursing home residents may include failing to provide the proper medication, fluids, food, safety, hygiene, and cleanliness. Some nursing home residents neglect themselves by failing to properly eat or to take care of their hygiene needs.

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from any of these types of abuse or negligence, it is important for you to act quickly to protect them by taking legal action.