Anyone with an elderly parent in a nursing home should be aware that there is a good possibility that their loved one has been or will be abused or neglected. A study in 2010 by Cornell University and the New York City Department for the Aging found that only 1 case of elder abuse in 24 is reported. The more than 3 million nursing home residents are at greater risk of abuse than those living in other settings. Vigilance by loved ones is the best protection that these vulnerable seniors have, according to personal injury attorneys in Lancaster.
A study of over 2,000 nursing home residents by the National Center on Elder Abuse discovered that:
- 44% of nursing home residents had suffered from abuse
- 95% of those residents said that either they had been abused themselves or had seen others abused
- Over 50% of the staff at nursing homes admitted that they had mistreated patients
Corporations Own Many Nursing Homes
Family members often become caregivers for an aging parent, but there may come a time when home care is no longer possible. Medical problems, dementia or an injury can make it necessary to find a nursing home.
For-profit corporations are now running large chains of nursing homes. As decision-makers are farther removed from the patients, the quality of care can suffer. It’s important to also recognize that the level of care may differ between various homes managed by the same company. As the number of elderly continues to increase, the number of qualified caregivers is shrinking.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
- Psychological:
- This is the most common form of abuse and can be extremely damaging, including ridicule, intimidation, neglect and threats.
- Physical:
- Injuries are the easiest to spot and prove. Staff must realize that a family member or friend is concerned and watching. Nursing homes are required to report injuries.
- Sexual:
- Any non-consensual sexual contact is extremely serious and often accompanied by threats or physical abuse.
- Financial:
- The theft of property from nursing home residents is common. More serious financial exploitation could involve illegally obtaining and using valuable information such banking and credit card numbers or tricking a victim into changing a will, trust or deed.
If you suspect your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, get assistance from experienced personal injury attorneys in Lancaster. Every nursing home resident deserves quality and compassionate care in a safe environment. To learn more, visit hhrlaw.com.
