People with loved ones in nursing homes usually know to look out for signs of physical neglect and abuse. Unfortunately, friends and family members might be less aware of the psychological abuse that can happen in these facilities.
The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, represent people who have suffered serious harm resulting from emotional and mental abuse in Torrington nursing homes. When you can draw a direct connection between psychological abuse and severe consequences, our legal professionals can bring a nursing home negligence lawsuit seeking compensation from the responsible parties.
Mental and emotional abuse is unfortunately common in nursing homes. The National Center on Elder Abuse notes that a recent study on the mistreatment of nursing home patients found that more than a third reported having experienced psychological abuse in the last year.
This type of abuse can be obvious or subtle. Sometimes, psychological abuse overlaps with physical abuse. For example, refusing to provide a bedpan or change a patient when they’ve soiled themselves is physical mistreatment, but shaming them about it is psychological abuse. Other examples of mental or emotional abuse include:
These are just a few illustrative examples—there are numerous other ways for staff members or fellow patients to inflict emotional or mental abuse on a Torrington nursing home patient.
The signs of psychological abuse can be subtle and sometimes hard to distinguish from expected changes related to declining health. They include:
Physical signs can include unexplained weight loss or gain, self-harming, or the onset of tics or repetitive behaviors.
Proving psychological abuse is happening is challenging unless you witness it yourself. If you see emotional abuse happening, intervene in the moment—whether the abuser is a staff member or another patient—and follow up with the facility administrator. The abuser needs to know that someone is watching and willing to put a stop to their conduct.
When you don’t witness the abuse but a loved one confides that they are experiencing this kind of bullying, a complaint to the administrator is appropriate. If you make a verbal complaint, be sure to follow up in writing. If you are dissatisfied with the response, making a report with the Department of Health’s Facility Licensing and Investigation Section could be fruitful.
When your loved one is uncommunicative but you suspect emotional abuse is happening, investigate. Speak with the facility social worker and your loved one’s doctor. If your loved one has friends among the other residents, try to find out whether they have noticed a change and, if so, what they believe caused it.
Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-550(b)(9) is a part of the state’s nursing home patient bill of rights. It directs that nursing home patients must not be subjected to physical or mental abuse.
When you can prove that psychological abuse was directed at a patient in a Torrington nursing home and they suffered clear and documentable harm because of it, a legal professional at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC could bring a lawsuit against the facility. However, you must be able to establish a direct link between the abuse and a marked negative change in the patient’s physical and mental condition.
If the patient’s medical record and testimony from other witnesses can prove that the abuse caused significant, verifiable harm, the patient could get compensation from the nursing home. It could include reimbursement of medical expenses, the cost of transferring to another facility, and compensation for the pain and suffering they endured.
Nursing home patients are physically and emotionally vulnerable; sadly, some people take advantage of this vulnerability to inflict psychological abuse. Many nursing residents experience this form of abuse from staff members or other residents.
When you can show that your loved one experienced severe emotional and mental abuse in a Torrington nursing home and suffered serious harm as a result, contact the dedicated team of attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. We offer free consultations, either remote or in person. Reach out today to discuss your legal options.
