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What Can Be Done About the Mistreatment of the Elderly in New Jersey Nursing Homes

Take Action Against NJ Nursing Homes Mistreatment


Abuse and neglect of the elderly in New Jersey nursing homes can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. As New Jersey’s elderly population grows, the risk of elder abuse increases. Families, caregivers, and legal professionals must be vigilant. 

This post will help you understand the signs of mistreatment and know what actions to take to protect your loved ones. With the guidance of our Shrewsbury NJ nursing home abuse lawyer, you can ensure that the rights of the elderly are protected and that they receive the justice they deserve.

Quick Summary:


  • Elder abuse is any intentional act or neglect that harms or risks harming older adults, often perpetrated by caregivers or family members. It includes various types, such as physical abuse (causing injury), emotional abuse (verbal assaults), financial abuse (misusing funds), neglect (failing to meet basic needs), and sexual abuse (non-consensual contact). Understanding these types is crucial for identifying and preventing abuse, and ensuring the well-being of the elderly.
  • If you suspect elder mistreatment in New Jersey nursing homes, it’s vital to recognize the signs of abuse, such as physical injuries, emotional changes, or neglect. Report any suspected abuse immediately to the nursing home administration, Adult Protective Services, or law enforcement for further investigation. Seeking legal assistance can help families understand their options and hold abusive staff accountable while ensuring proper care for their loved ones.
  • Victims of mistreatment in New Jersey nursing homes can recover various damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Understanding these potential compensations is essential for holding nursing homes accountable and ensuring justice for the elderly.

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse refers to any intentional act or failure to act that causes harm or poses a risk of harm to an older adult. This harm can come from caregivers, family members, or other individuals responsible for the elder’s well-being. Elder abuse can occur in various settings, including homes, nursing facilities, or community environments.

Types of Elder Abuse and Mistreatment


Elder abuse and mistreatment is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on older persons. There are several types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, neglect, and sexual abuse.  Understanding these different types of abuse is essential for identifying and preventing them.

  • Physical Abuse: This involves any use of force that causes physical pain, injury, or impairment. Signs include bruises, cuts, broken bones, or sudden changes in behavior due to fear of caregivers.
  • Neglect: Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to meet an elder’s basic needs, including food, hygiene, medication, and safety. Elders who are neglected may appear malnourished, dehydrated, or unkempt.
  • Emotional Abuse: Also known as psychological abuse, this occurs when elders are subjected to verbal assaults, threats, or humiliation. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
  • Financial Abuse: This form of abuse happens when someone illegally or improperly uses an elder’s money, assets, or property for their gain. Sudden financial changes, missing belongings, or unexplained bank transactions are warning signs.
  • Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact with an elder. This may include unwanted touching, assault, or exploitation, often going unreported due to fear or shame.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Elder Mistreatment in Nursing Homes?


Addressing elder mistreatment in New Jersey nursing homes requires vigilance and prompt action. Recognizing the signs, reporting abuse, and seeking legal support are critical steps to protect vulnerable seniors and ensure that nursing homes uphold the highest standards of care. Below are important steps to take if you suspect mistreatment in a New Jersey nursing home:

  1. Recognize the Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the signs of elder abuse is crucial, including physical indicators like bruises, broken bones, poor hygiene, and malnutrition, which may suggest neglect or physical mistreatment. Emotional abuse can manifest as mood changes, social withdrawal, or depression, while financial exploitation often involves unusual financial transactions or missing belongings. Neglect is evident in unclean living conditions, untreated medical issues, and bedsores, all indicating a failure to provide adequate care in nursing homes.

  1. Report the Abuse Immediately

Report the abuse to the nursing home administration so they can investigate and take action. Contact Adult Protective Services or the New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman for further investigation and support. If the abuse is severe, law enforcement should be involved in a criminal investigation.

  1. Seek Legal Assistance

Consult an elder law attorney to understand your legal options and file lawsuits if needed. Victims or their families can seek compensation for medical costs, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Legal action can also be taken for mental abuse, addressing long-term psychological harm.

  1. Monitor the Quality of Care Regularly

Visit your loved one often to ensure they receive proper care, and make unannounced visits for a clearer picture. Keep detailed records of any concerns or complaints in case legal action is needed. Maintain open communication with your loved one to uncover any mistreatment early on.

If abuse or neglect is proven, families can file lawsuits against the nursing home for compensation. Staff members who mistreat residents may face criminal charges. Legal action ensures abusers are held accountable for their actions.

  1. Take Legal Action if Necessary 

If mistreatment is proven, families can file lawsuits against the nursing home for compensation. Staff members who mistreat residents may face criminal charges. Legal action ensures abusers are held accountable for their actions.

Recoverable Damages for Mistreatment of the Elderly in Nursing Homes in New Jersey


When pursuing a claim for mistreatment of elderly residents in nursing homes, various types of recoverable damages may be available to victims and their families. Understanding these damages can help ensure accountability and provide necessary compensation for the suffering endured.

  • Medical Expenses: Victims can recover costs related to medical treatment resulting from abuse or neglect. This includes hospital bills, medication, therapy, and any long-term care needs that arise due to injuries sustained.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by mistreatment is often a significant component of a damage award. This includes both current and future suffering that results from the abuse.
  • Emotional Distress: Besides physical pain, victims may experience anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges due to their mistreatment. Compensation can be sought for these psychological impacts, reflecting the broader effects on the individual’s well-being.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the mistreatment has severely limited the victim’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to damages for loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the nursing home’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future.
  • Legal Fees: Victims may also recover reasonable attorney fees and legal costs associated with pursuing their claim, making it easier to seek justice without financial burden.

Understanding these recoverable damages is crucial for families seeking to hold nursing homes accountable for mistreatment and ensuring their loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve.

Let Our New Jersey Nursing Home Lawyer Abuse Help You Today


The mistreatment of the elderly in nursing homes in New Jersey is a growing concern that demands immediate action. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from physical abuse, neglect, or emotional trauma in a nursing facility, it’s important to act promptly. Look for warning signs and red flags. Reporting abuse to the appropriate authorities and consulting with experienced elder law attorneys can help you protect your loved ones and ensure they receive the care they deserve.

At Kreizer Law, our NJ attorneys have fought for and won MILLIONS for our clients. We will guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice for your family. Your proactive steps can make a difference in the quality of life for your loved one and help bring about safer environments for all nursing home residents in New Jersey.

Take action against mistreatment in New Jersey nursing homes. We can help you with your personal injury cases including:

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