Elder abuse is a rising concern, especially as more families rely on nursing homes to care for aging loved ones.
With the growing demand for long-term care, the risk of mistreatment increases too.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experience abuse in community settings each year. In nursing homes, where residents often depend entirely on caregivers, the risks can be even greater.
At Miller Kory Rowe, we’ve spent years fighting for families across Arizona. We’ve seen the damage abuse causes and the justice that accountability can bring.
By learning about the five main types of nursing home abuse, you can better recognize warning signs, protect your loved ones, and take steps to stop abuse before it happens.
The five types of nursing home abuse recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is what most people picture when they think of elder abuse. It involves the intentional use of force that causes pain, injury, or impairment. That could mean hitting, slapping, pushing, or even the improper use of restraints.
| Warning signs of physical abuse include: |
| • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts • Frequent sprains, dislocations, or broken bones • Broken eyeglasses or personal items • Fearfulness or flinching when touched • Caregivers who are reluctant to allow visitors to be alone with the resident |
In Arizona, physical elder abuse is a criminal offense. If you suspect your loved one is being hurt, you can and should report it immediately. Contact Arizona Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement.
Attorney Jeffrey B. Miller explains:
“When you trusted a nursing home with your loved one’s care, you expected them to be treated with dignity, not violence. Your legal team should earn that same level of trust. That’s why Miller Kory Rowe brings together attorneys with backgrounds in wrongful death, personal injury, and mediation to fight for justice.”
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Not all wounds are visible. Emotional abuse is one of the most overlooked forms of harm, but its effects can be devastating. This type of abuse includes yelling, humiliating, threatening, isolating, or ignoring residents to cause distress or exert control.
| Warning signs of emotional abuse include: |
| • Sudden withdrawal or unresponsiveness • Fearfulness around certain staff members • Low self-esteem or expressions of worthlessness • Changes in eating or sleeping habits • Depression, anxiety, or confusion without clear medical cause |
This kind of abuse often happens behind closed doors. It may be subtle, or it may escalate over time. But make no mistake, it is abuse, and it is never acceptable.
Families are often the first to notice changes in a loved one’s behavior. Trust your instincts. Document what you observe and consider requesting a mental health evaluation. It could make all the difference.
Attorney Teri M. Rowe shares:
“With backgrounds in science and teaching medical students, our team at Miller Kory Rowe knows how to trace the impact of emotional trauma. Whether it’s medical records or staff interviews, we know what questions to ask and how to hold facilities accountable.”
3. Neglect
Neglect isn’t always about what someone does. Often, it’s about what they fail to do. In nursing homes, neglect occurs when staff fails to provide the basic care necessary to maintain a resident’s health and well-being. This can include not providing enough food or water, ignoring hygiene needs, or failing to move bedridden residents to prevent bedsores.
| Warning signs of neglect include: |
| • Dehydration or sudden weight loss • Bedsores or untreated infections • Dirty clothing or unwashed hair • Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions • Missed medications or medical appointments |
Arizona law requires licensed facilities to provide a minimum standard of care. When they fail to do so, residents suffer.
If you suspect neglect, document everything. Photos, written notes, and consistent reporting are key. You can file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Health Services, which oversees nursing home licensing.
Learn more about elder neglect at the National Center on Elder Abuse: https://ncea.acl.gov/
As Attorney Gabriel V. Kory explains:
“Neglect is often systemic. It happens when understaffing, poor training, or mismanagement become routine. That’s why we dig deep. We investigate hiring records, staff schedules, and facility reports to uncover the truth.”
4. Financial Exploitation
When someone takes advantage of an elder to steal money, property, or assets, it is considered financial abuse. In nursing homes, this can happen through theft, coercion, or manipulation. Sadly, those with cognitive impairments are most at risk.
| Warning signs of financial exploitation include: |
| • Unexplained withdrawals or missing money • Sudden changes in wills or power of attorney • Bills going unpaid despite adequate funds • Missing personal items like jewelry or credit cards • Fear or confusion when discussing finances |
In Arizona, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a felony. If you believe someone is taking advantage of your loved one, it is essential to act quickly.
Our team works with forensic accountants and elder financial abuse experts to uncover signs of fraud. Whether the abuse comes from staff, other residents, or even relatives, we pursue justice with urgency and care.
You can also report suspected financial exploitation to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
5. Sexual Abuse
This is one of the most disturbing forms of elder abuse, and it’s also one of the hardest to talk about. Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact, and residents with dementia or physical disabilities are particularly vulnerable.
| Warning signs of sexual abuse include: |
| • Unexplained genital infections or injuries • Torn or stained underwear • Panic attacks or emotional outbursts • Withdrawal from physical contact • Fearfulness around specific individuals |
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is both a criminal act and a gross violation of human dignity. Perpetrators may include staff, other residents, or even visitors. Facilities have a legal duty to prevent it.
At Miller Kory Rowe, we pursue these cases with fierce resolve and deep sensitivity. We know how to coordinate with law enforcement and work with trauma specialists to support survivors and their families.
To learn more about this issue and national statistics, visit the National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse
What Legal Options Are Available for Elder Abuse in Arizona?
If you suspect your loved one has been abused in a nursing home, Arizona law offers multiple legal options. Families can pursue both civil and criminal remedies to hold facilities and perpetrators accountable.
These options may include:
- Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the nursing home
- Reporting abuse to Arizona Adult Protective Services or law enforcement
- Filing a licensing complaint with the Arizona Department of Health Services
- Pursuing compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and financial losses
Documentation is key. Photos, medical records, witness statements, and financial documents all help build a strong case.
Miller Kory Rowe offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options and next steps.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse in Arizona
Q: How do I report elder abuse in Arizona?
You can call Adult Protective Services at 877-767-2385 or file a report online at https://des.az.gov/APS
Q: What’s the difference between abuse and neglect?
Abuse involves intentional harm. Neglect involves failure to provide proper care. Both are serious and potentially criminal.
Q: Can I sue a nursing home for elder abuse?
Yes. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit for personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death, depending on the case.
Q: What if my loved one can’t speak for themselves?
You can speak up for them. As a legal guardian or concerned relative, you can report abuse and pursue legal action on their behalf.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?
In most elder abuse cases, Arizona law gives you two years from the date of discovery to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply.
Q: Are there Arizona-specific protections for seniors?
Yes. Arizona law classifies elder abuse as a felony in many cases, and the state provides additional protections for vulnerable adults through the Adult Protective Services Act.
Bottom Line
Nursing home abuse takes many forms, from physical harm and emotional trauma to neglect, financial exploitation, and even sexual abuse. Each type leaves a unique mark, but all share a common thread: a betrayal of trust. Recognizing the signs early can make all the difference in protecting the people you care about. In Arizona, the law offers clear paths to accountability, and families have the power to act. Staying informed is the first step toward ensuring safety, dignity, and justice for our most vulnerable elders.
NO ONE SHOULD SUFFER FROM NURSING HOME ABUSE
If you believe a loved one is suffering nursing home abuse, contact the Law Firm of Miller Kory Rowe, LLP. Our nursing home abuse lawyers have extensive experience with elder abuse as well as nursing home abuse. Two of our esteemed attorneys teach future physicians about elder abuse at the University of Arizona Medical School. Of course, no one should suffer nursing home abuse. We may be able to secure compensation – as well as possibly implement much-needed changes at nursing home facilities on your loved one’s behalf. Contact us to discuss your family’s situation at (602) 648-4045.
