What Is Known and What Information Is Missing about Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Settings

Even since Medicare was created, Nursing Homes have been the main form of residential long-term care in the country. They offer 24/7 nursing care, supervision, help with daily activities, meals, and medication administration to older adults who cannot manage independently. They also provide rehabilitative services to assist those recovering from a specific acute condition, such as a stroke or hip fracture.

Over 40% (more than 3.2 million) of American seniors will enter a nursing home at some point during their adult lives. As the U.S. population ages, the number of nursing home residents is expected to continue growing. Many of these elderly residents are well-cared for, but many may be the victims of elder abuse or neglect during their time there.

There has been limited research on elder abuse. Although attention has increased somewhat in recent years, most research on elder abuse has focused on incidence, causes, and risk factors in their community. Older persons living in care settings have received relatively little or no attention from the research community, and they are at particular risk for abuse and neglect.

Elders in nursing homes are predominantly vulnerable because most suffer from several chronic diseases that lead to physical and cognitive functioning limitations and are dependent on others. Besides, many are either unable to report abuse or fearful because reporting may lead to retaliation.

A congressional report disclosed that an examination of nursing home records done over a two-year period showed that nearly 1 in 3 nursing homes were cited for violations that had the potential to cause harm. Almost 10% of all nursing homes have violations that caused actual harm or placed the resident in jeopardy of death.

An independent evaluation of nursing home residents showed that up to 44% of nursing home residents reported that they had been abused at some time in residency. Nearly all of those evaluated (95%) had seen another resident neglected.

Another study conducted by the U.S. General Accountability Office revealed that state regulators are likely to miss abuse signs. The GAO found that 70% of state surveys missed significant deficiencies, and 15% missed notice of actual harm or immediate jeopardy of a nursing home resident. Due to reports like these, legislatures in all 50 states have passed anti-elder-abuse laws, but nursing home abuse continues to occur.

Gharibian Law is one of the best Elder Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles. We are here to help defend the rights of Senior Abuse victims and hold the abusive or negligent party accountable for any illness you or a loved one may have suffered due to their actions. Contact us at 888-288-0091 or schedule a free consultation now.