Nursing home neglect is the most common type of elder abuse in nursing facilities with 95 percent of residents reporting neglect in the past year alone. This type of mistreatment most commonly occurs when an occupant does not receive proper medical, physical, or emotional attention and can potentially pose the serious risk of harm to victims. Levels of abuse are very much dependent on the case but for nursing home tenants it often is displayed through lack of basic hygiene as well as improper assistance with eating and mobility.
Institutional abuse can typically occur in a care home, nursing home, acute hospital or in-patient setting and can be categorized by any of the following:
- Discriminatory abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Psychological and emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
Unfortunately, millions of older Americans are abused and/or neglected in nursing homes and only a fraction is reported. In fact for every case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect are reported to authorities- an additional 5 more go unreported.
As time passes in these situations, it becomes more difficult to investigate neglect and abuse claims.
- Documents and records can be “lost” or destroyed
- Potential witnesses may pass and not be accessible anymore
- The victim’s health can worsen to the point where their comprehension does as well
Neglect is a heartrending issue that can cause major physical and psychological harm to elderly men and women. The only way to stop the abuse is to confront the abuser and hold them responsible for their actions. If you suspect that a nursing home is not providing the level of care needed, please schedule your free and confidential consultation today.