Nursing Home Abuse

Root Causes of Nursing Home Abuse

The origin of many of these issues can be traced to nursing home staff—the very individuals hired to provide care—or fellow residents. In some instances, large senior care corporations prioritize profit over essential staff training and quality measures, leading to subpar care for residents.

Legal Remedies for Victims

There are avenues for action if you suspect your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect. You can report signs of abuse to authorities and pursue legal recourse to safeguard your loved one’s well-being.

Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2017 and 2018, 1 in 6 adults aged 60 or older experienced abuse in community settings.
• Nearly 1 in 3 nursing homes in the U.S. received citations for abuse.
• According to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), nursing home abuse often goes unreported.
• In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 1.3 million people resided in U.S. nursing homes, with a projected 27 million needing long-term care by 2050.
• The aging population trend indicates that these issues may persist and worsen in the coming years.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse types span various forms, which may overlap. Physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse, and neglect all constitute different aspects of this distressing issue. Identifying the type of abuse is crucial for taking appropriate action and protecting your loved one.

Physical abuse encompasses injuries such as bruising, cuts, and fractures. Unfortunately, there are instances when staff members either falsify incidents of physical abuse or choose not to report them altogether.

Emotional Nursing Home Abuse

Although emotional abuse might not inflict physical harm on the resident, it can elevate their stress levels and lead to feelings of misery, fear, and anxiety. Emotional abuse in nursing homes encompasses behaviors like shouting at residents, isolating them from loved ones, and manipulating their choices.

Financial Nursing Home Abuse

Elderly residents of nursing homes, who may have dedicated a lifetime to diligent saving, can unfortunately find their hard-earned money surreptitiously taken from their bank accounts by unscrupulous nursing home staff. These unfortunate occurrences are categorized as instances of financial abuse.

Sexual Nursing Home Abuse

Residents can experience the distressing ordeal of sexual abuse inflicted by either staff members or fellow residents, resulting in profound trauma for both the victims and their family members.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing abuse can be challenging, as signs may not always be evident. Indicators encompass physical injuries, emotional changes, and other signs like frequent illnesses or loss of finances. Because some residents may not voice their abuse due to fear or communication challenges, vigilant observation during visits is essential.

Consulting Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Abuse victims may seek assistance from nursing home abuse lawyers to explore legal options. These attorneys gather evidence, file lawsuits against individuals or corporations, and aid victims in obtaining financial compensation for medical bills and more.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse Laws

Nursing home abuse laws, established by federal, state, and local governments, aim to protect residents and hold abusers accountable. These laws vary by region, with some states forming elder abuse task forces and others permitting surveillance to uncover abuse.

Reporting and Taking Action

Addressing nursing home abuse promptly is imperative. Contacting local authorities or long-term care ombudsmen to report abuse is critical. If your loved one remains in a problematic facility, relocating them might be necessary. Our team can offer guidance through a free case review if you suspect abuse.

It’s important to remember that nursing home abuse is an egregious act that must be confronted and addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable seniors. If you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to take action and seek appropriate support.