Some of the saddest cases handled by lawyers at a law firm near Annapolis involve nursing home abuse. Elder abuse occurs when a healthcare provider or caretaker takes advantage of a senior’s mental or physical ailments. Elderly individuals may be preyed upon financially or neglected physically and emotionally. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, contact an attorney immediately. Continue reading to learn more about the signs of nursing home abuse, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse. 
Physical Abuse
As soon as a loved one sees any evidence of physical abuse of their elderly relative, lawyers immediately step in. Nursing homes are obligated to provide a safe place for seniors, and the entire nursing home is responsible for medical malpractice by any healthcare provider. This kind of elder abuse involves any non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical harm. Physical abuse includes both hitting and shoving and inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.
Mental Abuse
Mental or emotional elder abuse is often more difficult to detect, especially if an elderly patient is mentally impaired. An attorney may deal with cases of psychological abuse of an alder that include yelling or threats made to an elderly patient. Healthcare providers are also liable if they use words to intimidate, humiliate, or habitually blame or scapegoat a senior patient. Nonverbal abuse includes ignoring the elderly person or isolating the individual from friends and family members.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating forms of elder abuse. These malpractice cases involve a nursing home caretaker making any kind of physical, sexual contact without the elderly individual’s consent. Contact can include physical sex acts, but activities like showing a senior person pornographic material or forcing the elder to undress also qualify as illegal sexual abuse. If your loved one advises that he or she has been sexually victimized, contact an attorney right away.
