Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse and neglect are widespread national concerns. With statistics showing increased incidences of nursing home malpractice, abuse, and negligence, more and more Americans are seeking the counsel of experienced nursing home abuse lawyers.
The harsh and surprising realities of recent nursing home abuse statistics paint a picture of inexcusable violence and negligence. The majority of nursing home residents are completely dependent on the nursing home staff for their daily basic needs. This means that many residents are vulnerable to a wide range of abuse and/or neglect. The main types of nursing home abuse involve physical and sexual assault, deprivation of nourishment, and forced unauthorized medication. Too many nursing homes are being found guilty of neglect as well. It is important to educate yourself on how to identify the signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse.
The difficult choice to place a loved one in a nursing home is based upon the expectation that the facility will provide a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment for its residents. Choosing a nursing home can be a long and stressful process, but it is a decision that should be taken seriously. If you have already placed a loved one in a nursing home, you should take it upon yourself to investigate and compare your nursing home to the state and federal regulations regarding nursing home care.
Statistics have shown that the vast majority of nursing home abuse and neglect goes unreported. Needless to say, every case of nursing home abuse or neglect needs to be reported, and the public needs be educated on the proper procedures for reporting nursing home abuse.
There are organizations established for the sole purpose of helping those who have placed loved ones in nursing homes. There are state and federal agencies out there that will assist you and help you voice complaints and seek remedies.
Federal laws and regulations have been in place for nearly two decades, and still, the abuse continues. Individual state laws, created to strengthen and improve upon the federal framework, are in place and still the abuse continues. Law firms throughout the country are aware of this growing national problem and are ready and willing to provide legal representation for victims and families of victims who wish to take legal action.
There are nearly 2 million American citizens in nursing homes today. A number that is expected to multiply greatly within the next few decades as the baby boomer generation reaches senior citizen status. The curtain that once hid the violent and cruel world of nursing home abuse has been lifted. The awful truth is that far too many nursing homes across America are guilty of abuse and neglect.