Abuse in nursing homes and long-term care facilities too often involves the mistreatment of neurodivergent older adults. Neurodivergence can involve conditions such as autism, ADHD, dementia and other cognitive differences that affect the way a person communicates, processes information and interacts with the world. These individuals may be more vulnerable to mistreatment because they are less likely to be believed when they report abuse and they may struggle to express what has happened to them.
Unfortunately, abuse involving neurodivergent older adults often manifests via signs that can be easily overlooked. Behaviors such as withdrawal, agitation or changes in communication may be dismissed as symptoms of a victim’s condition rather than red flags of abuse or neglect. Nursing homes and other care facilities have a duty to monitor and recognize these warning signs and to work to reasonably ensure that staff are trained to distinguish between expected behaviors and those that indicate harm. When facilities fail in this responsibility, they may be held liable for any abuse or neglect and related suffering that results.
Spotting mistreatment and taking action
Abuse can take many forms. Physical abuse may be more immediately apparent, but neglect, emotional mistreatment, sexual misconduct and financial exploitation are also common. For example, staff may become impatient with a patient’s communication difficulties and resort to verbal abuse, or they may isolate neurodivergent residents because they do not know how to provide proper support. Financial abuse can occur when caregivers take advantage of an older adult’s trust or difficulty in managing money. Each of these actions violates not only an individual’s dignity but also their legal rights.
Families can help to protect neurodivergent loved ones by being attentive and seeking legal guidance whenever they suspect that harm has occurred. Regular visits, careful attention to changes in behavior or mood and open communication with staff can help detect issues early. When concerns arise, families should document observations and seek outside evaluations if necessary.
At the end of the day, reporting suspected abuse promptly can help to prevent further harm and provide a basis for legal accountability. Protecting neurodivergent older adults often requires vigilance and a willingness to demand accountability when abuse occurs.
