Are Women More Likely to Experience Nursing Home Abuse?
Did you know that women are at a higher risk of nursing home abuse than men? Learn everything you need to know about nursing home abuse and women, including how to identify potential abuse, why women are at an increased risk, and what you can do to keep your loved one safe.
Why are Women More Prone to Nursing Home Abuse?
On average, women live longer than men. This partially accounts for the higher likeliness of women residing in nursing homes, thus being the victim of abuse. Over 70% of nursing home residents are women.
Some studies also show that women are less likely to report nursing home abuse. It’s estimated that as few as one in 13 cases of elderly abuse are reported. Women residing in nursing homes may be less likely to report abuse because of a fear of their abuser, fear of rejection, or a lack of assistive services. Women with little contact with family members outside the nursing home may also be fearful of reporting abuse. Many nursing home residents may also not realize that they’re the victim of abuse. The abuser may blame them for their injuries, making them less likely to report it.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Women suffer many of the same types of abuse as men in nursing homes. Physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse are among the most common types of nursing home abuse. Learning to recognize the differences can help you keep your loved one safe. These are some of the signs of the most common nursing home abuse types:
- Physical abuse: Nursing home residents who are the victim of physical abuse may have bruises or broken bones. Your loved one’s caregiver may be unable to explain what led to the injury.
- Psychological abuse: The signs of psychological abuse often include fearfulness and withdrawal. Your loved one may become afraid of their caregiver or retreat from everyone emotionally.
- Financial abuse: The signs of financial abuse usually include changes to your loved one’s bank accounts or credit cards. You may also notice unexplained withdrawals or charges on their account.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse may be harder to identify, but your loved one may become fearful of their caregiver. You may notice torn clothes or unexplained bruises.
These are just some of the signs of nursing home abuse. If you believe that your loved one may be the victim of abuse, it’s important to take prompt action. Report your suspicions to the local authorities and consider the immediate safety of your loved one. If your loved one has been abused or neglected, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer. Nursing home abuse isn’t just physically and emotionally damaging; it can also cost you and your family a lot of money. You may incur medical bills or lost wages. There may be moving costs if you and your family decide to move your loved one to a safer place. A nursing home lawyer may be able to help you recover the costs associated with the abuse while also helping with recovery.
Contact a Newark Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, nursing home staff needs to ensure that patients are safe and secure at all times. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at Sugarman Law Firm represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Newark, Cherry Hill, Patterson, and Elizabeth. Call (732) 877-1975 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 80 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, as well as an office in Marlton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
