Common Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Peter Catania | April 7, 2025 | Nursing home

When families place their loved ones in a nursing home, they expect compassionate care and a safe environment. Unfortunately, types of abuse in nursing homes are more common than many realize, leaving elderly residents vulnerable to mistreatment. Whether it’s physical harm, emotional neglect, or financial exploitation, nursing home abuse can have devastating effects. If you suspect something isn’t right, recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward protecting your loved one. At Catania and Catania, we stand up for Tampa families, making sure their loved ones receive the respect and dignity they deserve.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes comes in many forms. Some cases are obvious, while others can go unnoticed for months or even years. Below are the most common types of abuse and how to recognize them. For a detailed breakdown of how abuse, neglect, and related crimes are defined under federal regulations, refer to the LTCCC’s Definitions of Abuse, Neglect & Crime.

Physical Abuse

No one should ever suffer physical harm in a place meant for care. Unfortunately, some caregivers resort to violence, including:

• Hitting, pushing, or slapping
• Unnecessary use of restraints
• Force-feeding or depriving of food and water
• Overmedicating or sedating a resident without medical justification

If your loved one has unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns, it could be a sign of physical abuse. You might also notice sudden fearfulness, flinching, or hesitation when certain staff members are nearby.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Not all abuse leaves visible scars. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging, and it often goes unnoticed. This type of mistreatment includes:

• Verbal insults, humiliation, or threats
• Ignoring a resident’s needs or concerns
• Isolating them from family and other residents
• Intentionally creating a stressful or frightening environment

If your loved one seems withdrawn, anxious, or unusually quiet, it might not just be aging—something deeper could be happening.

Sexual Abuse

It’s horrifying to think about, but sexual abuse happens in nursing homes more often than people realize. This includes:

• Unwanted touching or groping
• Coercion or manipulation into sexual acts
• Exposure to inappropriate sexual material
• Sexual assault

Signs of sexual abuse may include unexplained injuries, torn clothing, sudden emotional distress, or withdrawal from others. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and request help immediately.

Neglect

Neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse, and it can be just as harmful as direct physical mistreatment. Some examples include:

• Failing to provide food, water, or medication
• Ignoring hygiene and medical needs
• Leaving residents unattended for long periods
• Allowing bedsores to develop due to lack of movement

If your loved one is losing weight, seems dehydrated, or is frequently left in soiled clothing, these could be clear signs of neglect.

Financial Exploitation

Elderly residents are often targets for financial abuse. Some caretakers manipulate or steal from them in ways such as:

• Unauthorized withdrawals or transactions
• Forged signatures on checks or documents
• Pressuring a resident to change their will or legal documents
• Overcharging for services or billing for care that was never provided

If your loved one has missing valuables, sudden financial changes, or unexplained transactions, it’s time to investigate.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a resident is left without proper care or supervision. This can happen when:

• A facility discharges a resident without arranging for continued care
• A caregiver leaves a resident alone in a public place
• Staff members ignore residents who need assistance with daily tasks

Being left alone without help can lead to severe medical issues, emotional distress, or worse. If your loved one is frequently unattended or left in unsafe conditions, it’s a serious concern.

Medical Neglect and Improper Care

Nursing home residents rely on proper medical attention to stay healthy. When that care is neglected, their health can decline rapidly. Medical neglect includes:

• Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose conditions
• Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosages
• Ignoring chronic health conditions like diabetes or dementia
• Delaying necessary medical treatments

If your loved one’s health seems to be deteriorating for no clear reason, it could be due to medical neglect.

Who Can Be Liable for Nursing Home Abuse?

When abuse happens in a nursing home, multiple parties could be responsible. Liability for nursing home abuse can fall on:

• Nursing home staff – Caregivers, nurses, and aides who engage in or allow mistreatment.
• Facility administrators – Those responsible for hiring, training, and overseeing staff.
• Third-party contractors – Outside medical providers, maintenance staff, or other service providers who contribute to unsafe conditions.
• Other residents – In some cases, resident-on-resident abuse occurs due to poor supervision.

If you suspect abuse, gathering evidence—such as medical records, financial documents, and witness statements—can help hold the responsible parties accountable.

How Do You Identify Signs of Abuse?

Recognizing elder abuse is not always straightforward. According to the American Psychological Association, many cases of abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness. Elder abuse is often dismissed as a private matter, but it is a serious violation of an individual’s rights and well-being. Being able to recognize the warning signs of types of abuse in nursing homes can make all the difference. Keep an eye out for:

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Restraint marks on wrists or ankles
• Poor hygiene or untreated infections

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from activities or social interactions
• Signs of fear, anxiety, or depression
• Hesitancy to talk about their experiences

Financial Red Flags

• Missing money or valuables
• Unexplained bank withdrawals or credit card charges
• Sudden changes in legal documents, like wills or power of attorney

Neglect Indicators

• Rapid weight loss or dehydration
• Bedsores or infections
• Unkempt living conditions or soiled clothing

Take Action Against Nursing Home Abuse

Your loved one deserves to feel safe, respected, and properly cared for. If you suspect nursing home abuse, don’t wait—take action now. At Catania and Catania, we are committed to protecting the elderly in Tampa and holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Contact us online today or call us at (813) 222-8656 for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue justice.