Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Whether it is in Riverside County or elsewhere in Southern California, it is critical for friends and family members of older LGBTQ adults who reside in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to be at severe risk of injuries from abuse and neglect than others. Indeed, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, although there is insufficient research on elder abuse and neglect among members of the LGBTQ community in California and elsewhere, it is clear that “this population faces a greater risk of abuse and likely experiences abuse differently, and needs different resources.”
If an elderly parent or loved one is a member of the LGBTQ community and is currently living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, what do you need to know? Our Riverside County nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys can tell you more.
LGBTQ Seniors Experience Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes and assisted living Facilities in Southern California
Elder abuse and neglect can affect any older adult who is living in a nursing home or assisted-living facility in Southern California — regardless of sex, gender, age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To be clear, even in facilities that market themselves to LGBTQ older adults or that aim to provide safe spaces for LGBTQ seniors, injuries arising out of abuse, neglect, and negligence can happen. Common types of abuse and neglect include the following, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA):
- Physical abuse, which can have signs including unexplained bruises, cuts, welts, broken bones, and burns;
- Emotional abuse, which may involve a senior’s fear of a particular employee, emotional withdrawal, and indications of depression or anxiety;
- Sexual abuse, which can have a range of signs that include those associated with physical abuse, as well as sexually transmitted infections or bleeding in the genital area;
- Passive neglect, which can have signs like an unkempt appearance, broken bones, lack of medical devices or aids, smells or urine, bed sores, and other infections.
Important Issues Facing Elderly LGBTQ Residents in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
While LGBTQ seniors face the same risks of abuse and neglect as other elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, they can be at greater risk of abuse in some cases. Factors including discrimination, as well as specialized health care needs, can impact an LGBTQ senior’s quality of life and care in a facility.
Indeed, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, common issues that lead to or exacerbate abuse and neglect include but are not limited to: “social isolation due to discrimination, internalization of stigma, intersection of discrimination from multiple minority identities, and an abuser’s desire for power and control.” LGBTQ seniors can also be less likely to report abuse out of concern that their sexual orientation or gender identity will impact how their report is received.
Contact a Riverside County Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
Identity factors can have a significant influence on the health and safety of older adults in Southern California and throughout the country. From issues of race and religion to sexual orientation and gender identity, seniors in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities — just like people of other ages — can experience discrimination, and they can have particular health and safety concerns related to their identities. If you have any questions or concerns about seeking help for an LGBTQ elderly loved one who may have experienced injuries due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, an experienced Riverside County nursing home neglect lawyer can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm to discuss your case and to find out more about how we assist older adults in Southern California.
See Related Blog Posts:
New Study Says Violence is Common in Long-Term Care Facilities
Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse in Older Adults with Dementia
