Types of Abuse

The seven types of abuse that can happen in a nursing home or assisted living care facility are

Physical abuse
Is the use of physical force that may or may not result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. Improperly and illegally restraining a resident is abuse. A nursing home resident has the right to be free from unnecessary restraints. Restraints can be in form of physically confining the resident by tying the resident to the bed to overly sedating the resident which are called chemical restraints

Sexual abuse
Is non-consensual sexual act of any kind with an elderly person. Sexual acts with a elderly person incapable of consenting is sexual abuse.

Emotional or psychological abuse
Is the infliction of pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts.

Neglect
Is the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an elder. This includes failure to provide proper hygiene, nutrition, and skin care.

Abandonment
Is the desertion of an elderly person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care for an elder, or by a person with physical custody of an elder.

Financial or material exploitation
Is the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets.

Self-neglect
Is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens their own health or safety.

These are all described in detail at the National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform.

Signs and symptoms to look for and document at each visit include

Bed sores or pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)
Bruising
Cuts and open wounds
Broken bones
Unexplained injuries
Poor nutrition and weight loss
Poor hygiene
Unsanitary conditions
Staff failure to follow doctors’ orders
Staff failure to report changes in resident’s condition
Sudden or unusual changes in demeanor, habits
Changes in resident’s mental status (confusion, depression, lethargy)


The attorneys at the Williamson & Lavecchia are experienced at representing victims of abuse at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Please contact us at (804) 288-1661 to see if we can assist you.