What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse is a form of elder abuse and involves the mistreatment of vulnerable patients, typically elderly people, who are living in nursing facilities. This type of abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. Physical abuse involves the intentional infliction of pain or injury through physical force. Emotional abuse involves the infliction of psychological distress, such as humiliation or manipulation. Financial abuse can involve the misuse of a nursing home resident’s funds or property for another’s benefit. Neglect can entail failing to provide adequate care, including food, water, clothing, and necessary medical care. Nursing home abuse is a serious crime and a violation of Maryland law. In Maryland, it is illegal for a nursing home to hire or fail to promptly fire an employee or care provider who is known to have engaged in abuse or neglect of a resident. Additionally, any individual who has knowledge of nursing home abuse is required to report it to the Maryland Department of Health. Those found guilty of nursing home abuse can face criminal charges, as well as civil lawsuits for damages.

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What is nursing home abuse?

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