What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse happens when caregivers harm or neglect residents in long-term care facilities. Cases of nursing home abuse can include both intentional and unintentional harm. Abuse can result in trauma, medical emergencies, and even death.
Sadly, abuse and neglect in nursing homes are common due to understaffing, improper training, and staff burnout. These factors can cause staff members to take out job stress and frustration on the people they should care for. It may also prevent them from responding to urgent situations like falls or strokes.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take if your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse. Report any signs of abuse in nursing homes to the proper authorities, and call 911 if they are in immediate danger.
You can also seek financial compensation to pay for your loved one’s medical care and other expenses with help from a nursing home abuse lawyer.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with top attorneys across the country who have recovered over $304 million for mistreatment in nursing homes.
Get a free case review right now to see if we may be able to help your family.
Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review.
Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310
Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
While nursing home abuse statistics can be disturbing, it’s important to learn how common the problem is if you have a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or another long-term care facility.
Key nursing home abuse statistics for 2025 include:
- In institutional settings, 2 in 3 staff members admitted to committing elder abuse in nursing homes in the past year. (WHO)
- Approximately 1 in 10 nursing home residents experience abuse. (National Center on Elder Abuse)
- A study found that nearly 44% of residents in nursing homes or care communities report being abused. (Cureus)
- Nearly 50% of residents with dementia experience nursing home abuse and neglect. (National Council on Aging)
Tragically, WHO expects elder abuse cases to increase since the global population is rapidly aging.
You can help keep your loved one safe by educating yourself about mistreatment of elderly in nursing homes.
Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
The term “nursing home abuse” often brings physical injuries to mind. However, it may also include neglect, sexual assault, emotional harm, and other issues. It’s important to know which type of nursing home abuse your loved one is suffering from so you can properly help them.
Nursing Home Abuse Warning Signs
Recognizing the signs of abuse in nursing homes is essential to protect residents from harm. Abuse and neglect can take many forms, from physical injuries to emotional distress and unexplained changes in a resident’s health.
Families should be aware of these warning signs and take action if they suspect abuse in a nursing home.
Physical Injuries
Unexplained injuries are one of the most obvious indicators of neglect or abuse in long-term care facilities. These may result from rough handling, lack of supervision, or intentional harm.
Common physical signs include:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers): Especially stage 4 bedsores, which indicate severe neglect
- Bruises, burns, and welts: Unexplained marks on the skin could be signs of rough handling
- Cuts, lacerations, and skin tears: May result from improper care, accidents, or physical aggression
- Dental or facial injuries: Broken teeth or jaw injuries may indicate neglect or abuse.
- Fractures and broken bones: Often caused by nursing home falls, physical abuse, or improper transfers
- Infections that turn into sepsis: Untreated nursing home infections can be life-threatening
- Unexplainable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): A possible indicator of sexual abuse
Any of these nursing home injuries should be investigated immediately to determine their cause and ensure the resident’s safety.
Emotional Changes
Not all abuse leaves visible marks. Behavioral and emotional shifts may signal nursing home mistreatment, fear, or emotional neglect.
Common emotional changes include:
- Fear of certain caregivers: Flinching, avoiding eye contact, or experiencing distress when a staff member approaches
- Non-responsiveness or confusion: Beyond what is expected for their medical condition, possibly due to medication mismanagement or psychological abuse
- Sudden withdrawal or depression: A once-social resident becoming withdrawn could indicate emotional abuse
- Unusual agitation or aggression: An increase in frustration, outbursts, or changes in personality
Behavioral changes should not be ignored, as they may be the only signs of ongoing mistreatment.
Other Signs
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes are not always physical or emotional. Changes in a resident’s overall health and well-being can also be warning signs of nursing home elder abuse.
These are other signs that could signal abuse in nursing homes:
- Dehydration: Dry skin, cracked lips, or weakness can indicate neglect
- Falls leading to fractures or head injuries: A sign of inadequate supervision or improper mobility assistance
- Poor hygiene or unclean living conditions: Dirty bedding, soiled clothing, or an unkempt appearance may suggest neglect
- Unexplained weight loss: A potential sign of malnutrition or improper feeding
- Wandering or elopement: A resident leaving the facility unnoticed signals a lack of proper supervision
- Wrongful death: In severe cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can have fatal consequences
Unexplained declines in health or quality of care should raise immediate concerns about possible neglect.
Causes of Abuse in Nursing Homes
A wide range of factors can cause abuse in nursing homes. Many causes of nursing home abuse stem from problems with employees or the corporations running the facilities.
Below are some of the common causes of abuse in nursing homes.
Burnout
Staff members may have to work long hours, and dealing with residents’ needs can be physically and emotionally taxing. Instead of letting out their frustrations in a healthy way, staff may lash out at residents.
Additionally, mistakes and errors stemming from fatigue and extended shifts can be life-threatening to residents.
Corporate Decisions
Corporations that run multiple nursing homes often try to maximize profits, potentially leading to a number of problems.
For example, a nursing home may hire staff members with no experience at a cheaper rate and fail to properly train or monitor them, making abuse and inadequate care more likely.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice forced a California skilled nursing facility and management company to pay almost $4 million for bribing doctors to refer more patients to them.
Unethical behavior like this often leads to nursing home abuse, as it prioritizes money over proper care and safety for residents.
Greed
Staff members may try taking advantage of residents. They might get close to them and then steal their money by forging checks or using their credit cards without permission.
This betrayal not only takes away the residents’ hard-earned savings but also breaks the trust they should have in a place meant to keep them safe and cared for.
Lack of Supervision
If inattentive staff members aren’t properly supervised, a resident could face significant neglect for hours or even days at a time. They can also fall victim to nursing home abuse.
This lack of oversight means essential needs may go unmet, from medication errors to inadequate hygiene care, increasing the risk of health complications.
Negligent Staff
The actions — or lack thereof — of nursing home staff members may also cause abuse or neglect. While understaffing in nursing homes is a chronic problem, it should never result in harm to residents.
Staff actions that may indicate nursing home abuse include:
- Failing to respond to residents’ requests for assistance
- Ignoring concerns about conflicts between residents
- Mismanaging resident transfers between floors or rooms
- Showing disrespect or poor attitudes toward residents
It’s important to note these staff behaviors along with any injuries your loved one has suffered. Keeping detailed notes on these factors can make it easier to report nursing home abuse.
Understaffing
Nursing home understaffing can place great stress on current employees, as there are fewer people available to care for residents.
A lower ratio of nurses to residents can negatively impact the overall health care a nursing facility provides, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This includes increased rates of nursing home abuse and neglect.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, here are some helpful topics on what to do next.
Risk Factors for Abuse in Nursing Homes
While any nursing home resident could suffer from abuse or neglect, some factors may put certain residents at a greater risk of abuse.
Potential risk factors for elder abuse include:
- Being female: In a study published by Justice Quarterly, women accounted for 67% of elder sexual abuse cases.
- Being a veteran: Veterans may require more medical care than civilians and suffer from illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), putting them at a greater risk of abuse.
- Having a mental illness: The National Council on Aging (NCOA) notes that almost 50% of elders with mental impairments suffer from abuse.
- Identifying as LGBTQ+: The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) found that 8% of LGBTQ+ elders were physically abused by a caregiver.
If an older person is at increased risk of elderly abuse in nursing homes, keep a close watch on them and note any negative changes in their appearance or behavior.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse
It is crucial to speak up if you or your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Bringing your concerns to the proper authorities may allow healing to begin and justice to be served.
Additionally, nursing home facilities that are held accountable are more likely to take action, helping keep future residents safe.
The first thing to remember is to always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
You might not know for sure if a nursing home resident’s injuries stem from abuse. In these cases, you can contact your state’s branch of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or your local Adult Protective Services (APS) office.
These agencies check on the welfare of nursing home residents to see if they are being abused.
Nursing Home Abuse Laws
Federal and state nursing home abuse laws are in place to ensure nursing facilities provide high-quality care to residents.
These laws grant nursing home residents:
- The ability to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit if they are mistreated
- The right to a safe living space free of abuse
- The right to participate in decisions regarding their care
Families and nursing home residents need to know their rights early on. This can help prevent abuse or address it before it causes serious injuries or long-term harm.
How To Prevent Abuse in Nursing Homes
Resident abuse in nursing homes is a serious issue, with many cases going unreported. Families should stay alert to warning signs and take action if they suspect mistreatment.
Many instances of nursing home abuse go undetected. Thankfully, it may be possible to prevent elder abuse in nursing homes from happening or continuing.
You can prevent nursing home abuse by:
- Recognizing the signs and causes
- Regularly checking in on loved ones
- Taking preventative measures (like changing nursing homes) if needed
With the help of a top nursing home abuse law firm, you may be able to hold abusive staff members financially accountable.
Our team is dedicated to ending the epidemic of nursing home abuse — and you can join the fight. If you or a loved one suffered from nursing home abuse, see if you can take legal action with a free case review.
Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review.
Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310Nursing Home Lawyers
A nursing home attorney may be able to help you and your loved one seek justice while holding abusive staff members accountable. Many families have turned to legal action to secure compensation for the harm their loved ones endured.
In some cases, victims who worked with nursing home abuse lawyers have received millions of dollars.
For example, the family of a woman with dementia who died weeks after moving into a nursing home received $2 million in a wrongful death lawsuit after a jury found the facility responsible.
Money awarded in a nursing home abuse lawsuit can help pay for:
- Funeral costs: Covering burial and memorial expenses
- Hospital stays: Addressing medical bills related to injuries or neglect
- Other expenses: Any financial burdens stemming from the abuse
Nursing home abuse law firms may also seek punitive damages, which are additional funds meant to punish negligent facilities and deter future abuse.
Get Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse
Elder abuse in a nursing home can lead to devastating consequences, including serious injuries and emotional trauma. Reporting concerns promptly can help prevent further harm.
Filing a lawsuit may seem overwhelming, but experienced nursing home abuse lawyers will handle the legal process on your behalf, making it as stress-free as possible.
Nursing home abuse attorneys can:
- Gather evidence: Collecting medical records and bills, witness statements, and facility reports
- File your nursing home abuse case on time: Ensuring legal deadlines are met for eligibility
- Fight for maximum compensation: Seeking the highest possible payout for families
Attorneys who specialize in nursing home abuse understand the devastating impact of mistreatment. If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligence or abuse, a skilled nursing home attorney can fight back.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with top attorneys who can help families in all 50 states. Together, they have recovered over $304 million for nursing home abuse and neglect.
Find out if our legal partners can help you file a lawsuit for abuse in nursing homes to get justice and compensation for your family’s suffering.
Call (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free case review.
Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
What is abuse in nursing homes?
Abuse in the nursing home setting occurs when staff, caregivers, or other residents harm, neglect, or exploit residents. Recognizing early signs can help protect vulnerable residents.
It includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect that leads to serious harm.
Common signs include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, and emotional distress.
What is the most common abuse in nursing homes?
The most common type of nursing home abuse is psychological or emotional abuse. This includes behaviors that harm a person’s self-worth or emotional well-being.
Physical nursing home abuse, like hitting or kicking, is also common. Different studies show varying levels of abuse, but these two types are frequently reported in nursing homes.
What are the 7 types of elder abuse?
Seven types of elder abuse are:
- Physical abuse: Harming through physical force
- Psychological abuse: Causing emotional pain
- Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact
- Financial exploitation: Misusing or stealing money
- Neglect: Ignoring basic needs, like food, water, and proper hygiene
- Self-neglect: Older adults failing to care for themselves
- Abandonment: Deserting an older person who depends on others for care
Call (855) 264-6310 now if you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected while living in a nursing home.
We may be able to connect you with a top nursing home law firm to help you get justice and financial compensation.
What is an example of abuse in a care home?
Abuse in a nursing home happens when staff or other residents harm, exploit, or mistreat those in their care.
Examples of abuse of the elderly in nursing homes include:
- Hitting or pushing residents
- Ignoring a resident’s needs or requests
- Stealing money or belongings from residents
- Touching residents inappropriately
- Yelling at or insulting residents
Any form of abuse can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Reporting suspected abuse immediately can help protect vulnerable residents.
What is considered nursing home negligence?
Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility or its staff fails to provide proper care, leading to harm or injury.
This can include:
- Allowing bedsores to develop
- Failing to prevent falls
- Ignoring residents’ hygiene
- Mismanaging medical conditions
- Neglecting basic needs
Unlike intentional abuse in nursing homes, negligence often stems from understaffing, poor training, or lack of oversight, but it can still cause serious harm or even death.
What factors put people at risk of abuse in nursing homes?
While any resident can suffer from nursing home abuse, some are at a higher risk than others. For example, female residents and those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are more likely to be abused.
Additionally, residents who do not have loved ones regularly checking in on them may also be at a greater risk. Family and friends are often the first line of defense in recognizing the signs of abuse early on.
What is the biggest problem in nursing homes?
The biggest problem in nursing homes is neglect due to understaffing. Many facilities operate with too few caregivers, leading to poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, malnutrition, and a higher risk of injuries.
Lack of oversight and inadequate training also contribute to serious harm.
What is the biggest complaint in nursing homes?
The most common complaint in nursing homes is lack of proper care. Families and residents frequently report slow response times, poor hygiene, inadequate medical attention, and emotional neglect. These issues often stem from staff shortages and insufficient training.
What does a red flag mean in a nursing home?
A red flag in a nursing home is a warning sign of poor care or potential abuse.
Common red flags include:
- Dirty living conditions
- Staff avoiding questions
- Sudden weight loss
- Unexplained injuries
- Untreated bedsores
These signs may indicate neglect, mistreatment, or unsafe conditions.
How many cases of nursing home abuse are reported?
Many cases of abuse in nursing homes go unreported, making it hard to know the true extent of the abuse.
For instance, a study showed that 1 in 5 emergency room Medicare claims from assisted living residents might be due to nursing home abuse or neglect. Yet, about 6,000 cases in the study weren’t properly reported to law enforcement.
Fear or health issues like dementia can make it hard for residents to report nursing home abuse, so it’s important for family members to keep a close watch.
Do for-profit nursing homes have higher rates of abuse?
Yes, recent research has associated for-profit facilities with higher rates of nursing home abuse.
Residents in private equity-acquired nursing homes were 11.1% more likely to have preventable emergency room visits and 8.7% more likely to face avoidable hospitalizations, according to a White House study.
A separate study reported residents in for-profit nursing homes faced nearly double the risk of health issues from poor care compared to those in not-for-profit homes. These for-profit homes also had higher rates of neglect and were generally of lower quality.
The New York Times found that about 75% of for-profit nursing homes in the U.S. pay companies they own for some care aspects and services. This setup allows corporate leaders to funnel nursing home funds back into their pockets, essentially paying themselves.
