Entrusting the care of an elderly loved one to a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions families face. We expect these facilities to provide professional, compassionate care that ensures our family members live with dignity and comfort in their later years. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem in Wisconsin, with approximately 3,500 suspected cases reported annually. Even more concerning, experts believe many cases go unreported, with some estimates suggesting that for every case that comes to light, as many as five others remain hidden.
This hidden epidemic affects some of our most vulnerable citizens, often leaving them suffering in silence. Understanding the warning signs of abuse and knowing your legal options is crucial for protecting your loved ones and holding negligent facilities accountable.
5 Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse takes many forms, and residents may experience multiple types simultaneously. Recognizing the different categories can help you identify potential problems more effectively.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves the use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, inappropriate use of restraints, forced feeding or medication, and rough handling during routine care.
Physical abuse is sometimes the most visible form of mistreatment, but it can also be disguised as accidents or attributed to the resident’s frailty or tendency to fall.
2. Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse involves inflicting mental or emotional anguish through verbal or nonverbal acts. This includes yelling, insulting, or humiliating residents; threatening or intimidating behavior; isolating residents from others; ignoring residents; and infantilizing (treating elderly adults like children).
Emotional abuse can be particularly difficult to detect as it leaves no physical marks, but its impact on a resident’s mental health and quality of life can be devastating.
3. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly resident, including unwanted touching, sexual assault, forcing a resident to watch sexual acts, or taking sexually explicit photographs of residents.
Sexual abuse is particularly heinous as many victims have cognitive impairments that prevent them from reporting the abuse or even understanding what is happening to them.
4. Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s funds, property, or assets. Common examples include stealing money or valuables, forging signatures, coercing residents to sign financial documents, charging for services not provided, and identity theft.
5. Neglect
Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide necessary goods or services. Forms of neglect include failure to provide adequate food or water, ignoring personal hygiene needs, not changing soiled clothing or bedding, medication errors, failure to reposition bedridden residents, and inadequate supervision leading to falls or wandering.
Warning Signs That Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Abuse
Identifying nursing home abuse early is crucial for protecting your loved one from further harm. Be alert for these potential warning signs during visits:
Unexplained Injuries or Frequent Falls
•Bruises, welts, or burns, especially in patterns suggesting restraints
•Broken bones or fractures
•Repeated unexplained falls
•Injuries in various stages of healing
Sudden Weight Loss or Dehydration
•Rapid, unexplained weight loss
•Signs of malnutrition (sunken eyes, lethargy)
•Symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, cracked lips)
•Complaints of hunger or thirst
Poor Hygiene or Unsanitary Conditions
•Unwashed hair or body
•Soiled clothing or bedding
•Strong odors of urine or feces
•Untreated bedsores (pressure ulcers)
•Unclean living conditions
Withdrawal, Depression, or Behavioral Changes
•Unusual withdrawal from activities previously enjoyed
•Unexplained depression or anxiety
•Fear or anxiety when certain staff members are present
•Reluctance to speak in front of caregivers
Unexplained Financial Transactions
•Sudden changes in banking habits
•Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
•Missing personal belongings or valuables
•Changes to wills, power of attorney, or other financial documents
Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you believe your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a Wisconsin nursing home, taking prompt action is essential:
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of any concerning observations, including dates and times of incidents, descriptions of injuries or conditions, names of staff members present, photographs of injuries or living conditions, and notes from conversations with your loved one or staff.
Report to Appropriate Authorities
Wisconsin has several agencies responsible for investigating nursing home abuse:
•Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): Call 1-800-642-6552
•Adult Protective Services: Contact your county’s agency
•Law Enforcement: If you believe a crime has been committed
•Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Call 1-800-815-0015
Seek Medical Evaluation
If your loved one has injuries or unexplained health issues, arrange for an independent medical evaluation.
Consult with an Attorney
An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of protecting your loved one and seeking accountability.
Legal Options for Victims and Their Families
Families of nursing home abuse victims have several legal avenues available:
Regulatory Complaints
Filing complaints with regulatory agencies can lead to investigations, citations, and corrective action plans.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil litigation allows victims and families to seek financial compensation for damages resulting from abuse or neglect, including:
•Medical expenses for treating injuries caused by abuse or neglect
•Costs of transferring to another facility
•Pain and suffering
•Emotional distress
•Loss of dignity and quality of life
•Punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious conduct
Wisconsin’s Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem in Wisconsin, but families can protect their loved ones by staying vigilant, recognizing warning signs, and taking prompt action when concerns arise.
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of nursing home residents throughout Wisconsin. If you suspect your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect, contact us today for a free consultation.