Although any resident of a nursing home or long-term healthcare facility can suffer physical, psychological, financial or sexual abuse, certain elderly populations are especially vulnerable. According to the NHAJ, “residents who are seen as needier, more time-consuming or different in some way from other residents are more likely to be abused or neglected.”
Examples of residents who may be susceptible to abuse because they require more or different care include:
Residents Who Suffer from Mental Illness
Residents Who Are Cognitively Impaired
Residents Who Are Physically Disabled
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), women are also especially likely to be abused. Female residents are perceived to be easier targets than their male counterparts. Because on average, women live longer than men, they spend a longer average amount of time residing a healthcare facility and there are more women in nursing homes.