Elder Abuse

The revised federal nursing home regulations state that "the resident has the right to be free from abuse."  It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders experience some form of abuse or neglect.

Abuse & Neglect   Sexual Abuse   Resident-to-Resident Mistreatment

Financial Exploitation   Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring   Privacy

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Misappropriation of Property

• Put a STOP to Poor Care Brochure (Web, Print; Webinar Slides) - produced in collaboration with the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), includes indicators of quality care, warning signs, red flags of potential abuse, and advocacy tips to address concerns.

• National Center on Elder Abuse, Take A Stand Against Elder Abuse

• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

Abuse & Neglect Resources from the National Ombudsman Resource Center

Resources for Consumers

• ​Abuse and Neglect Fact Sheet
• Put a STOP to Poor Care Brochure
• Malnutrition & Dehydration
• Theft & Loss

Sexual Abuse

Nursing home residents have a right to be free from abuse, including sexual abuse. Nursing facilities must prohibit and prevent abuse, and investigate and report all incidents of suspected abuse to the state survey agency and to other officials depending on the state. If a crime is suspected, the abuse must also be reported to law enforcement.

Sexual abuse is a form of elder abuse that frequently goes underreported, under-investigated and unnoticed.  Many long-term care consumers have medical conditions that make it difficult to speak out against or communicate abuse.  Consumers, family members, advocates, facilities and others must come together to prevent sexual abuse.  

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know

• Consumer Voice statement and joint statement released with the National Center on Elder Abuse and the National Organization for Victim Assistance on sexual abuse in nursing homes.

Resources for Consumers

• Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes Fact Sheet
• Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know Issue Brief

Resident-to-Resident Mistreatment

All residents have the right to live in a safe environment that supports each resident’s individuality and ensures they are treated with respect and dignity. Mistreatment is anything that causes physical, mental and/or emotional harm and includes abuse, neglect and exploitation.

• Resident Mistreatment Brochure and Fact Sheet

• Resident-to-Resident Elder Mistreatment in Nursing Homes Webinar (Recording, Slides)

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation happens when someone illegally or improperly uses your money or belongings for their personal use. Financial exploitation is the fastest growing form of elder abuse. It is a crime and is often not reported.

Consumer Fact Sheet: How to Prevent, Detect and Report Financial Exploitation

• In Nursing Homes - English, Spanish, Chinese
• In Assisted Living - English, Spanish, Chinese

Protecting Your Loved One: How to Prevent, Detect and Report Financial Exploitation

• In Nursing Homes - English, Spanish, Chinese
• In Assisted Living - English, Spanish, Chinese

Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring

The use of surveillance cameras in nursing home residents’ rooms is becoming more popular among some consumers and policymakers, but it comes with a range of potential positive and negative implications.  

Balancing Privacy & Protection: Surveillance Cameras in Nursing Home Residents' Rooms

Resources for Consumers

• Balancing Privacy & Protection: Surveillance Cameras in Nursing Home Residents' Rooms Fact Sheet

Privacy

• Unauthorized Photographs and Recordings of Nursing Home Residents: Impact on Right to Privacy and Freedom from Abuse