Putting a loved one in a nursing home is not an easy decision. Most families do it because they believe their parent or relative will be safe and cared for. When something feels off—new injuries or changes in behavior—it can leave families worried about what’s really happening behind closed doors.
Nursing home abuse often involves patterns of neglect or mistreatment rather than a single incident. A Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer can help address those concerns and outline what options may be available under South Carolina law.
What is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse happens when a resident is harmed through neglect and/or mistreatment by nursing home staff or others in the facility. Abuse does not always involve visible injuries. In many cases, it manifests as changes in health or emotional well-being.
Some nursing home residents are more vulnerable than others. Those with memory loss, limited mobility, or communication difficulties may have a harder time reporting what is happening to them. Abuse can also occur in facilities that are understaffed or poorly supervised, even when the nursing home appears reputable.
Types of nursing home abuse
Many people picture physical harm when they think about nursing home abuse, but mistreatment can take several different forms. A resident may experience more than one type of abuse at the same time.
Common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, improper restraints, or rough handling
- Emotional abuse, including yelling, threats, humiliation, or isolating residents from family members
- Sexual abuse, involving any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation
- Neglect, when nursing home staff fail to provide basic care like hygiene, nutrition, mobility assistance, or medical treatment
- Financial exploitation, such as stolen money or forged signatures
Home abuse and neglect might be intentional, but it can also happen when staff members are overwhelmed or poorly trained. Regardless of the cause, the harm to residents can be serious.
What are the warning signs of nursing home abuse?
Family members are often the first to notice signs of nursing home abuse. These warning signs may appear gradually or show up suddenly, and they should never be ignored.
Possible signs of nursing home abuse include unexplained bruises, broken bones, burns, or repeated injuries. Bedsores, untreated infections, dehydration, and poor hygiene may point to neglect. Sudden weight loss or missed medications can also signal that a resident’s needs are not being met.
Sexual abuse may be indicated by genital pain, infections, or sexually transmitted diseases. Emotional abuse and neglect often show up through changes in behavior. A loved one may become withdrawn, fearful, anxious, or unusually quiet around nursing home staff. They may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed or resist visits from family members.
Financial exploitation is another concern. Missing funds, unusual bank activity, or unexplained changes to financial documents can be signs that someone is taking advantage of a resident.
Organizations such as the National Center on Elder Abuse note that behavior changes can be just as important as physical injuries when identifying abuse.
What should you do if you suspect nursing home abuse?
If you think someone might be a victim of nursing home abuse, taking action early can help protect them and prevent further harm. Reporting elder abuse may also help protect other residents in the facility.
Helpful steps often include documenting injuries or concerning conditions, taking photographs when appropriate, and keeping notes about dates, times, and interactions with staff members. In some situations, it might be necessary to report your concerns to facility administrators or even state agencies.
Every situation is different. The right next step depends on the severity of the abuse and the immediate safety of your loved one.
When can legal action be taken?
Nursing homes are required to follow state and federal standards of care. When those standards are ignored, nursing home residents may suffer preventable injuries and trauma.
Legal action may be appropriate when abuse or neglect causes harm, places a resident at ongoing risk, or leads to wrongful death. A nursing home abuse attorney can help families understand whether the situation may support a claim and what steps should be considered next. A lawyer can also help you communicate with the facility or its insurance company.
How a nursing home abuse lawyer can help
Families dealing with nursing home abuse are often unsure who to trust or how to protect their loved one while the situation is unfolding.
A lawyer can help investigate the incident and identify potential responsible parties. Legal support may involve reviewing medical records, facility policies, staffing levels, and prior complaints. The outcomes depend on the specific facts involved. The goal is not only accountability, but safety and dignity for the resident.
Get help if you suspect nursing home abuse
Suspecting abuse in a nursing home can be upsetting, especially when someone you love has experienced nursing home abuse. Learning the warning signs and understanding your options can make it easier to take the next step.
Smith Jordan Law offers consultations for families concerned about nursing home abuse. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand whether legal action may be appropriate and what can be done to protect your loved one. Contact us online today or call (864) 343-2222 to discuss your options.