What is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse is the mistreatment of an elderly person living in a nursing home. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or neglectful abuse. Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that results in injury or harm. Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact without consent. Emotional abuse includes verbal assaults, humiliation, and threats. Financial abuse is when someone takes advantage of a person’s financial resources. Neglectful abuse is when a nursing home staff fails to provide basic care such as food, water, and medicine. Washington has laws to protect people from nursing home abuse. These laws make it illegal for nursing homes to abuse residents. They also require the nursing home to provide a safe and comfortable environment, and proper care. The law also requires that the nursing home staff be properly trained and supervised, and that they take reasonable steps to prevent abuse. If a person suspects that someone is a victim of nursing home abuse, they should contact the Washington Department of Social and Health Services. They can give advice, investigate the abuse, and provide resources to help the victim. People can also get help from a local elder abuse advocacy organization. The best way to prevent nursing home abuse is for family members and friends to visit their loved one regularly and to keep an eye out for signs of abuse.
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