Social Media Abuse in Nursing Homes

As technological advances increase, so do the ways in which immoral individuals use technology to exploit others. There have been numerous instances in which nursing home employees have been fired or otherwise disciplined for sharing inappropriate content, via social media outlets, that features nursing home patients. This is a newer type of elder abuse that is becoming more prevalent and that everyone needs to be aware of. Posting embarrassing photo or video content of senior citizens is malicious, dehumanizing and violates elderly individuals rights to privacy. This applies especially to nursing home patients, as they are often mentally or physically impaired and unable to stand up for themselves. Everyone should be aware of the existence and growing presence of social media abuse when it comes to the elderly, so that they know to report elder abuse if they encounter it in any form.

To report elder abuse or exploitation, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at: 1-800-962-2873.