The Elderly Often Suffer in Silence
By Meyerkord & Meyerkord
Apr. 5, 2011 9:24a
In the United States, approximately 90 percent of the people in nursing homes are over the age of 65 years of age, and 75 percent of them are female. In 2009, there were more than 1.5 million men and women living in nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is both common and a major issue for families when choosing a nursing home for their elderly loved one.
Our nation’s nursing homes are busting at the seams, with nearly 80 percent of them at full capacity. Due to the fact that nursing home patients are old and weak, many cases of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect go unreported. The elderly who do not have any family members or regular visitors are at a heightened risk for abuse or exploitation, since there are no “outsiders” to witness the abuse or financial exploitation. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for further assistance.
As the economy tightens, nursing homes have learned they can save money by hiring people from all walks of life for lower wages. Nursing homes do not always employ the most educated or the highest paid. In addition, not all nursing homes have access to criminal background checks across state lines. As a result, more nursing homes are providing sub-standard care, resulting in a vast increase in elderly abuse.
Forms of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The main types of elderly abuse include the use of restraints, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, verbal abuse, threats, and inappropriate use of drugs, social isolation, financial exploitation, malnourishment, abandonment and theft.
In 2003, 20,673 complaints of abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation on behalf of nursing home residents and board care residents were investigated by state Long Term Care Ombudsman programs. The most common reported complaint was physical abuse. In addition, it is estimated that for every 1 case of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation that is reported to authorities, there are 5 more that are never reported.
St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you are concerned about the health and safety of your loved one and suspect nursing home abuse, contact a St. Louis nursing home abuse attorney from Meyerkord & Meyerkord, LLC today.
Contact a St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyer from our firm today for a free case evaluation.