December 20, 2022
The Weitz Firm, LLC

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects a significant number of elderly individuals in the United States. According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans over the age of 60 will experience some form of elder abuse, and nursing home abuse is a common form of this mistreatment.

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

  • Physical abuse includes any non-accidental physical force that causes injury or harm, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining a resident against their will.
  • Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact or activity, including unwanted touching or sexual assault.
  • Financial abuse involves the unauthorized use of a resident’s financial resources, such as their bank accounts or credit cards.
  • Emotional abuse includes verbal or nonverbal actions that cause mental anguish, such as threats, intimidation, or isolation.
  • Neglect occurs when a nursing home staff member fails to provide necessary care, such as food, water, or medical attention, to a resident.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is often underreported, which makes it difficult to determine the exact prevalence of the problem. Many victims of nursing home abuse are unable to speak up or report the abuse due to physical or cognitive limitations, or because they are afraid of retribution from their abusers. Additionally, nursing home staff members may go to great lengths to cover up abuse in order to protect their jobs and avoid legal consequences.

Nursing Home Abuse in the US: Contributing Factors

There are several factors that contribute to the high rates of nursing home abuse in the United States. One factor is the shortage of trained and qualified nursing home staff. With the aging of the baby boomer generation, the demand for nursing home care is increasing, which has led to a shortage of staff and an overreliance on untrained or unqualified employees. This can lead to a lack of supervision and a higher risk of abuse.

Another factor is the lack of oversight and regulation of nursing homes. Many nursing homes are underfunded and understaffed, which can lead to poor care and an increased risk of abuse. In addition, nursing home staff are often underpaid and may have inadequate training, which can lead to burnout and frustration that may result in abuse.

There are steps that can be taken to prevent nursing home abuse and ensure that elderly individuals receive the care and respect they deserve. One important step is to thoroughly research and choose a reputable nursing home that has a history of providing high-quality care. It is also important to visit the nursing home regularly and pay attention to any changes in a resident’s physical or emotional well-being. If you suspect that a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is important to speak up and report the abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Additionally, if a loved one has been abused, you may be able to seek compensation on their behalf by filing a claim or lawsuit. Strongly consider enlisting the help of an attorney when doing so. At the Weitz Firm, LLC, a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney is on hand to assist you in pursuing justice for your loved one. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 267-587-6240.

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