What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence?

Various types of elder abuse are universally recognized as nursing home abuse and negligence. These include:

Physical or Drug Abuse:

• Hitting, burning, kicking or restraining an elderly person;
• Imprisonment or confinement;
• Providing the patient with an overdose of medication or the wrong prescription

Psychological Abuse:

• Verbal abuse to intimidate an elderly person;
• Constant ridicule or criticizing to humiliate them;
• Ignoring the patient to induce feelings of insignificance.

Financial Abuse:

• Illegal or unauthorized use of their valuables;
• Fraudulent obtainment of power of attorney.

Sexual Abuse:

• Forcing an elderly person to engage in sexual activities or conversations against their will.

Negligence:

• Depriving an elderly person of food, water, heat, clothing or necessary medication.

With more than 1.5 million elderly persons residing in assisted living facilities today, nursing home abuse and negligence is on the rise. Simply put, many nursing homes fall short of the quality care and individualized attention they promise to provide loved ones. Nursing home negligence lawyers believe these incidents will only continue to rise as the ratio of elderly patients to caregivers grows. Needless to say, it is a troubling reality for the families and friends of patients living in nursing homes.

Another distressing realization is the number of nursing homes that have been reported for abuse and negligence. To date, one third of all nursing homes in America have been cited. Given this number merely represents reported incidents required by law, it's truly unbelievable what false expectations we having for nursing homes. Imagine how many cases of abuse and negligence are not being reported! After all, it's in the best interest of the nursing home to keep these incidents under wraps.

This is why talking to a nursing home negligence attorney can be critical, if you feel a friend or family member has fallen victim to abuse. Taking legal action against these facilities will send a clear message. Nursing home abuse and negligence is not to be tolerated.