No one likes to think about their loved one having a bad experience in a nursing home. When you make the decision to move your parents or elderly loved ones into a nursing home, you naturally expect they will be well-cared for, every single day. But the truth of the matter is that nearly all nursing homes have issues with caretakers and staff, oftentimes resulting in abuse or neglect of residents. Nursing home abuse comes in many different forms and is not always what you may think. There is of course physical abuse, but financial, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse are other common types we see on a regular basis. Sadly, approximately 10% of all elderly Americans experience abuse or neglect at one time or another. This is an unspoken tragedy in our society right now that we must raise awareness about.
With nearly 20,000 nursing homes in the United States caring for approximately 1.6 million residents – a number that is predicted to quadruple to 6.6 million by 2050 – it is no wonder we see abuse and neglect on an everyday basis. Statistics indicate that 40% of nursing home residents are malnourished or dehydrated because a failure on the part of caretakers to ensure they are drinking and eating regularly. This is simply unacceptable. However, there are a few things you can do to protect your loved one from afar. Because we are often asked, “is my loved one safe in a nursing home?” we thought it was more pertinent than ever to talk about the warning signs of abuse and how you can help keep your elderly loved one safe from abuse.
What Leads to Nursing Home Abuse?
There are numerous factors that contribute to nursing home abuse, including:
- Staff burnout
- Inadequate staff training and education
- Staff shortages
- Stressful working conditions
These are just a few of the most common reasons why our elderly population is being abused in nursing homes today. There are numerous other factors that may result in abuse, something we are here to discuss with you if you so desire. Nursing homes have a duty to provide care for residents, and when this does not happen certain repercussions may be necessary. If you are worried your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Texas nursing home, please contact our elderly abuse law firm. We understand how stressful and demoralizing these types of situations can be and are here to help you and your elderly loved one.
How Do I Protect My Loved One?
In many instances, a loved one in a nursing home may be too scared to admit they are being abused. They may think they are at fault or could have done something to prevent it, or they may not even understand that what is happening to them is wrong. For this reason, it is imperative you understand the signs of nursing home abuse and seek legal advice immediately. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys will help you understand your rights and take legal recourse immediately. Nursing home abuse is a serious, growing problem in our country that must be stopped. If you are worried about the safety of your loved one while in a nursing home or fear neglect is happening, please contact Wormington & Bollinger right away.