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Abuse of residents at rehabilitation facilities 

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2025 | Long-term Care Facility Neglect |

Rehabilitation facilities are meant to provide care, support and treatment for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries or illnesses. They are often home to older Americans who are recovering from medical conditions in ways that will hopefully allow them to return home or to an assisted living facility.

Families commonly trust these facilities to provide their loved ones with the best possible care. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect in rehabilitation centers are serious issues that can lead to physical harm, emotional distress and even life-threatening consequences for vulnerable residents.

Types of abuse that commonly occur in rehab facilities

Abuse in rehabilitation facilities can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial exploitation. Recognizing the signs of mistreatment is important when it comes to protecting residents and holding negligent facilities accountable.

  • Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, unnecessary restraints or improper use of medication to control behavior. Unexplained bruises, fractures or frequent injuries may be indicators of physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse involves verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation. Residents experiencing this type of abuse may display signs of depression, anxiety or withdrawal from social interactions.
  • Sexual abuse occurs when a resident is subjected to unwanted sexual contact, harassment, or exploitation. This type of abuse is particularly troubling because victims may be unable to report what has happened due to cognitive impairments or fear of retaliation.
  • Neglect is another form of mistreatment and occurs when staff fail to provide proper care, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, infections, bedsores or poor hygiene.
  • Financial abuse happens when staff or other individuals take advantage of a resident’s finances, stealing money, forging signatures or coercing residents into signing over assets.

Several concerns commonly contribute to abuse in rehabilitation facilities, including understaffing, poor training and lack of oversight. Facilities that do not have enough employees to provide adequate care may leave residents unattended for long periods, increasing the risk of neglect. Additionally, untrained staff members may not understand how to properly assist residents with medical or mobility needs, leading to dangerous situations.

Thankfully, residents of rehabilitation facilities have legal rights and protections under both federal and state laws. Seeking personalized legal guidance can help those affected to exercise their rights and pursue justice accordingly. 

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