There has been increased media coverage and attention given to the rise in nursing home abuse and neglect, and for good reason. According to a recent report, one in five nursing home patients suffers abuse by another resident. The study found that 19.8 percent of residents at 10 nursing home suffered some kind of abuse within the period of review. During the four-week period of investigation 16 percent of residents suffered from verbal abuse, while 5.7 suffered from a physical attack, such as hitting or kicking. The reports indicated that 1.3 suffered from sexual incidents and 10.5 percent suffered from invasive behavior.
These cases involved resident-on-resident mistreatment involve only a fraction of the abuse that may also occur involving nursing home aids or other employees. Commonly we hear of abuse committed by overworked health aids, but a new category of abuse is also putting residents at risk—resident-on-resident abuse and injury. These injuries are inflicted by a roommate or another resident in the nursing home. According to the research one in five residents were involved in such incidences within the four-week period.
The abuses can range from aggressive and abusive language to physical attacks. Not only are they invasive and disruptive for other residents, but resident-on-resident abuses can also cause serious physical harm. According to the report, the incidences are so common that many of the workers are unaware or do not choose to get involved. The results of this investigation were made public at the Gerontological Society of America, providing a harrowing account of life inside the facilities for the 1.4 million nursing home residents in the United States. Of the total number of nursing home residents in the country, more than 72,000 of them reside in the state of Florida.
As more and more American families are turning to nursing homes for assistance, the potential for abuse and neglect must be examined. Nursing home care is critical for many elderly Americans, but the rate of conflict, abuse, and violence is becoming a national threat. In addition to abuse by caretakers, many victims suffer at the hands of other residents. The results of these attacks can be catastrophic, leaving victims with bruising, lacerations, fractures, and permanent head injuries.
To complete the study, the data was analyzed based on reports from residents, families, staff, and in-house documentation. Residents were more likely to suffer from abuse if they were housed with other residents, forced to share bathrooms, or living in over-crowded conditions. As with other instances of abuse, victims were more likely to suffer if the facility was understaffed or if workers were not properly trained to care for residents.
Have you noticed unexplained bruising on your loved one? Does it seem that your loved one is not getting proper nutrition and care? If you suspect nursing home abuse, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you pursue legal action. Our Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to raising awareness to stop nursing home negligence and abuse and to ensure that victims recover the compensation they need and deserve.
Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
A Silent Killer: Untreated Bedsores Can Be Lethal, June 5, 2014, Broward County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Alzheimer Patients Especially Vulnerable to Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, April 15, 2014, Hollywood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog