When discussing the physical abuse of older adults in nursing homes and similar facilities, people’s focus is often on the mistakes and oversights of professional caregivers. Caregivers sometimes become overtly abusive or simply neglect to meet the needs of vulnerable adults who depend on them.
Fewer people recognize that other residents living at a nursing home could also pose a threat of harm to vulnerable older adults. Living in close quarters can result in heightened tensions, particularly among those experiencing cognitive decline or dementia. Nursing homes should take adequate steps to support those living with cognitive decline and to protect everyone from the possibility of violence.
Resident-on-resident violence can prove fatal
There are many ways for one resident struggling with dementia to harm another. In some cases, they fear for their safety and may attack another person unprovoked. Other times, they may escalate a situation unnecessarily.
There are tragic stories where conduct as simple as an aggressive shove can lead to fatal injuries when the targeted person is a vulnerable older adult. Who is liable when residents become violent toward one another in a dementia care ward?
Facilities should protect all residents
Working with dementia patients and other people with compromised mental acuity is a difficult job. Employees at nursing homes and similar facilities sometimes have to sedate or physically restrain people who become emotional and distressed because of their confusion.
Workers also need to track the severity and nature of how the dementia presents in individual patients. That way, they can provide reasonable support, help prevent conditions from worsening and take appropriate steps to limit opportunities for interpersonal violence. The workers at a dementia care unit should also take note of the dynamics between different residents.
Staff members may need to sequester individuals who have had altercations with one another previously. The failure to properly monitor the conduct and mental state of residents can result in preventable tragedies. When facilities do not provide adequate support and do not ensure the safety of vulnerable residents, they may be liable for the harm that occurs as a result.
Families dealing with the aftermath of resident-on-resident violence in a nursing home may need help holding the facility accountable. Pursuing a nursing home negligence lawsuit is typically a viable option in cases involving resident violence that staff members could have prevented.
