The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older. About half of these Americans are likely to spend some time in a nursing home.
Meanwhile, nursing home abuse is on the rise. The Illinois Department on Aging received 14,858 reports of elder abuse in 2015. That’s an increase of almost 4,000 reported cases since 2011. Protecting the rights and dignity of elderly abuse victims is a passion for Alvarez Law Office. Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable members of our society and tragically, abuse is all too common. The abuse comes in many forms. Bed sores, malnutrition, physical abuse, willful deprivation, falls and fractures are just some common examples of nursing home abuse.
How common is nursing home abuse? In July 2017, a congressional committee found that 1 in 3 nursing homes — 5,283 facilities — were cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse. The reported noted, “instances of residents being punched, slapped, choked or kicked by staff members or other residents, causing injuries such as fractured bones or lacerations.” A recent CNN story reported on the tragedy of sexual abuse at nursing homes across the U.S. CNN found that, “…the federal government has cited more than 1,000 nursing homes for mishandling or failing to prevent alleged cases of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse at their facilities during this period.”
What can you do if you believe that your parent, spouse of loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse?
- If you believe the resident is in serious physical danger, call 911 immediately.
- Be observant and ask your loved one questions. Keep in mind that victims might
withhold information for many reasons. - Address the manager of supervisor calmly.
- If the nursing home manager or supervisor is not able to provide suitable explanations for your concerns, contact an attorney to begin an investigation. Nursing home neglect and abuse is on the rise. As more and more Americans enter nursing homes all over the country it’s important to protect these vulnerable citizens.
If you are concerned that your loved one may have been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, schedule a free consultation with Alvarez Law Office. Our team of confident, committed and aggressive attorneys fights on behalf of elderly abuse victims. Call Alvarez Law Office today to learn more.