It is difficult to determine the most common type of abuse in Maryland nursing homes. Abuse in long-term care settings can take many forms, from emotional mistreatment to financial exploitation, and many cases go unrecognized or unreported altogether.
For families with loved ones who are nursing home residents, the possibility of mistreatment is a source of deep worry. This article explores the various types of abuse in nursing homes and how to recognize the signs. If you suspect something is wrong, there are legal protections in Maryland and steps you can take to seek help and accountability. A Maryland nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
Abuse in Maryland Nursing Homes Is Often Underreported
Despite efforts at oversight and regulation, elder abuse in nursing homes remains a pervasive and largely hidden issue. One of the most troubling realities is how frequently abuse and neglect go unreported. Residents may be physically or cognitively unable to articulate what’s happening to them. Others may fear retaliation from staff, worry about being moved to a less desirable facility, or feel ashamed or helpless.
Family members, too, may miss or misinterpret warning signs, especially when symptoms are subtle or explained away by staff. Understaffing, high turnover, and lack of proper training can all contribute to an environment where problems are overlooked or minimized.
In Maryland, the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) and local long-term care ombudsmen work to investigate complaints, but these agencies rely heavily on outside reporting.
Raising awareness of this underreporting issue is vital. It empowers families to be proactive advocates and reminds them that noticing something and speaking up could make all the difference.
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Maryland and National Data on Abuse and Neglect
Understanding how widespread nursing home abuse is can help families grasp the importance of vigilance and the urgency of action. Forms of abuse can include neglect, financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. It’s important to note that data collection varies by state, and underreporting remains a significant issue, but available nursing home abuse statistics still paint a sobering picture.
In 2020, the latest year the state divided complaints by type of abuse, it determined that physical abuse and neglect were the most common types of abuse, with 110 allegations of physical abuse and 70 allegations of gross neglect. In Maryland, the OHCQ received 1,136 reports of alleged abuse and 1,179 reports of neglect in 2021. Nationally, a 2019 study cited in BYU’s Ballard Brief reported that 64% of nursing home staff admitted to committing some level of abuse.
Recognizing Red Flags of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, and not all leave visible marks. Often, subtle changes in behavior, appearance, or environment are the first signs that something may be wrong. Families regularly visiting care facilities or communicating with their loved ones are uniquely positioned to notice these early warning signs.
Below are some red flags to look for:
Physical Indicators
- Unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Signs of restraint (marks on wrists or ankles)
- Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration
- Poor hygiene or soiled clothing
- Inadequate medical care or frequent infections
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from social interaction or activities
- Sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Fearfulness, especially around certain staff members
- Reluctance to speak freely in front of caregivers
- Confusion or disorientation beyond what’s typical for their condition
Environmental Clues
- Unclean or unsafe living conditions
- Persistent odors (e.g., urine, feces)
- Disorganized medication management
- Staff appearing overworked, inattentive, or evasive
Noticing one sign doesn’t always mean abuse occurs, but patterns or multiple warning signs warrant closer attention and action. Trust your instincts, as they are often right.
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What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
If you believe your loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it can be vital to act quickly and with care. While confronting the possibility can feel overwhelming, your vigilance can make a critical difference in your loved one’s safety and quality of life.
Steps to Take
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes of physical injuries, behavioral changes, or interactions. Take photos (if appropriate), and record dates, times, and names of involved nursing home staff members or witnesses.
- Speak to Facility Staff: Raise concerns directly with administrators or nursing supervisors. Sometimes, issues may be addressed through internal review, but this step creates a documented history of your concern.
- File a Complaint: Contact Maryland’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. You can file complaints anonymously, and both agencies are equipped to investigate serious allegations.
- Seek Medical Attention: If your loved one or another elderly resident (such as a roommate) appears in immediate danger or distress, seek a second opinion or arrange an outside medical evaluation.
- Consult a Legal Professional: An attorney can guide you through your legal rights and help ensure your loved one’s protection and potential compensation for harm suffered.
Acting promptly helps ensure your loved one’s safety and protects other residents who may be at risk. It’s also important to note that nursing home abuse cases are often under a legal deadline. In Maryland, you typically have only three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. In the tragic event that a loved one loses their life, wrongful death lawsuits are also generally limited to three years.
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How Our Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Navigating a situation involving suspected nursing home abuse can be incredibly stressful, emotionally draining, and complex. That’s where a Maryland nursing home abuse attorney can make a difference by offering legal guidance, support, and reassurance during a deeply challenging time.
Our nursing home abuse attorneys are well-versed in Maryland’s elder care laws and understand how to investigate and pursue cases involving neglect, physical harm, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. We work with medical experts, review facility records, and gather the necessary evidence to determine whether a facility has violated its duty of care.
Each case involves more than legal issues — it involves people who are scared, hurt, and seeking answers. The Jenner Law legal team approach is compassionate and client-focused, always centered on what is best for your loved one and your family. Whether you’re looking to stop ongoing harm or hold a facility accountable for past negligence, we’re here to help guide and support you through every step.