Has Your Parent Suffered Abuse at a Nursing Home? Call 1-800-ATTORNEY Now!
Our aging population deserves love, care and attention well into their golden years. Sadly, elder abuse in nursing homes is at an all-time high. The statistics behind this practice are shocking and tell a story of neglect, apathy, lack of transparency, and systemic violations across the country. At 1-800-ATTORNEY, we’re dedicated to supporting the rights of nursing home residents. If you suspect abuse, please contact us today for your free consultation.
Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse
Statistics state that 1 in 3 nursing homes all over America have been cited for some kind of elderly abuse. In addition, about 2 million Americans over the age of 65 report being abused by their primary caregiver. CNN also reports that more than 90 percent of all nursing homes are understaffed – which might explain the prevalence of cases of neglect in these institutions.
Given the fact that 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 65 will spend their lives in a nursing home, it’s important to know the signs of abuse, and know exactly what to do if you suspect elder abuse.
Nursing home abuse can take on many forms. Before we look at these various forms, it’s important to know that this kind of abuse is prevalent because of the culture of fear and intimidation in these institutions. Additionally, most residents who are being cared for may have cognitive difficulties in the form of degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s, sometimes making it impossible for them to speak up for themselves. In addition, the lax criminal laws in many states do not provide proper protection for nursing home victims, meaning that civil action is an important part of the recovery process. Our attorneys will help you file a lawsuit so that your loved one can get compensation and hopefully stem the ongoing abuse by setting a precedent.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
The following are just a few examples, as elder abuse can take many forms.
- Physical abuse in the form of punching, kicking, pinching and slapping.
- Restraining a resident for long periods of time.
- Taunting or psychologically bullying and belittling them.
- Neglecting to change and bathe a resident during set times.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you may be able to identify signs that can tell you that some kind of abuse is going on. When visiting a loved one in a nursing home, please pay close attention to any of these signs:
- Residents look disheveled and uncared for.
- The stench of urine or feces in nursing home rooms.
- Residents seem withdrawn, detached or emotionally disturbed.
- Bed sores on residents.
- Signs of malnutrition such as rapid weight gain or loss.
- Unexplained bruises, falls or fractures on residents.
- Residents are placed on many medications or are frequently sedated.
It’s important to note that you should never ignore any warning signs that seem ‘off’ to you. One instance of abuse is usually a tip of the iceberg. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, contact the nursing home abuse lawyers at 1-800-ATTORNEY. We will seek compensation for the abused, as well as make sure that this doesn’t happen to others in the future.
Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-ATTORNEY. We look forward to hearing from you.
