Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Mental abuse and emotional abuse include actions that cause psychological pain or distress, including verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and isolation from friends or activities. Residents subjected to emotional abuse may exhibit signs such as withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or unexplained changes in behavior. 

Unlike physical abuse, there are no bruises or scars to serve as clear indicators, and the impact of such psychological abuse can deeply affect a resident’s quality of life, leading to a decline in both physical and mental health in nursing homes. 

Physical abuse in nursing homes is deeply concerning and involves any form of non-accidental harm or injury to residents. This form of elder abuse can range from hitting, pushing, and shoving to inappropriate use of restraints or force-feeding. Signs of physical abuse are often more observable and may include unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, or a sudden change in the resident’s behavior, such as flinching from physical contact. 

Physical abuse not only causes immediate pain and injury but can also lead to long-term psychological trauma and a profound sense of fear and helplessness.

Sexual abuse in assisted living facilities is a particularly heinous offense. This form of abuse includes unwanted touching, sexual assault, coerced nudity, and even the exploitation of residents for pornographic purposes. The victims may show signs of trauma, such as bruises around private areas, unexplained sexually transmitted infections, sudden changes in behavior, or signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) like depression, anxiety, or withdrawal. 

Residents with cognitive impairments like dementia are especially vulnerable, as they may be unable to consent or communicate sexual abuse.

Financial abuse involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds, assets, or personal possessions. Perpetrators of financial exploitation range from staff members to visitors or even family members. 

Indicators of financial exploitation include sudden changes in bank account balances, unexplained withdrawals, alterations in wills or power of attorney, and missing personal belongings or funds.