What is Involuntary Seclusion?

cartwrightlaw - July 11, 2024 -

Those who place their loved ones in elder care facilities do so with the intention of providing a safe, inclusive environment for an older adult to receive care and attention. The act of involuntary seclusion is a form of elder abuse that can sometimes take place at nursing homes.

Involuntary seclusion refers to when a resident is secluded from social activities and interactions in a nursing home. They may also be restrained or have their movement restricted against their will. Involuntary seclusion can lead to serious physical and emotional issues and a rapid decline in the health of the abused nursing home resident.

If you believe your loved one suffered harm due to involuntary seclusion, contact a Santa Rosa nursing home abuse lawyer now.

Restraints and Involuntary Seclusion Abuse

The act of restraining or involuntarily secluding a resident in a nursing home and limiting their mobility without medical cause is a dehumanizing form of elder abuse. Some examples of restraining include:

Using physical restraints to keep an elderly person in their bed against their will.
Confiding a resident to a small space without any medical reasons for doing so.
Sedating a resident so that they are unable to move easily as they typically would.

Common examples of involuntary seclusion include:

Requiring that a resident goes back to their room, alone, right after dinner.
Excluding residents from games and other social activities that they would regularly be a part of.
Prohibiting friends and family members from visiting a nursing home resident and making up untrue reasons for their seclusion.

Signs of Seclusion or Neglect

Recognizing the signs of seclusion or neglect at a nursing home can help prevent physical, mental, and emotional elder abuse. If you are aware of what to look for, you may be more likely to identify when involuntary seclusion takes place. Some of the most common signs of neglect and seclusion in a nursing home may include:

Emotional distress – an increase of fear, anxiety, and nervousness, talking about how they are feeling lonely and trapped.
Rapid physical deterioration – noticing new bruises, rashes, and pressure sores that might indicate staying in bed in one position for extended amounts of time, weight loss, poor hygiene, and more.
Sudden and unexplainable changes in behavior – signs of depression or when a typically social resident has become suddenly withdrawn.

Involuntary seclusion is a dangerous act and can result in critical injuries. If you believe that a resident of a nursing home is displaying any signs of elder abuse, it is essential to seek medical help and speak with a skilled nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible.

Speak to a Qualified Santa Rosa Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you suspect that someone who is living in a nursing home might be a victim of elder abuse, it is advisable to contact an experienced Santa Rosa attorney as soon as possible. The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. is committed to protecting those who have suffered from elder abuse.

Contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation, or call us at (415) 851-6486 to learn more about your options. We are here and ready to help!