Any action which causes harm to a nursing home resident is considered to be abuse. This includes, but is not limited to: physical violence such as punching, kicking, choking, pinching, pushing and shaking; using physical force to make a resident eat, bathe or undergo medical procedures which they don't want to have; neglecting the basic needs of the resident such as nutritional needs and basic medical needs. The consequences of this abuse may include emotional anguish, physical injury and even death. If any type of abuse takes place within a nursing home then a resident is entitled to mount a nursing home abuse case against the home to recover compensation for emotional distress and medical expenses incurred. The number of nursing home abuse cases has increased in recent years and tougher standards have recently come into force such as criminal background checks for staff.