Elder abuse in nursing homes is a serious problem that continues to be underreported in America. The reality is that millions of Americans struggle with neglect and abuse in the nursing home system, even though these facilities are often bound to strict safety protocols and medical standards.
While nursing home abuse is more common than it should be, the important point to note is that there are only a few nursing homes that end up making up a bulk of the abuse. Statistics from the early 2000s showed that it is only around 20 percent of all nursing homes that have trouble with the abuse or neglect of patients.
It is much more common for elder abuse to come from those who are close to the elder, like their children, siblings or other family members. When they live in nursing homes, though, they’re opened up to a whole new variety of people who could be dangerous to their well-being.
What can you do to avoid nursing home abuse issues?
One of the most important steps is to get to know the staff when possible. Those assisting an elderly person in choosing a nursing home should make sure to go to the home and get a tour. Doing this more than once is preferred, so you can have a better chance of noticing anything unusual in the facility.
Residents and staff members can be dangerous to your loved one. If they are hurt because of neglect or abuse, know that you have the right to seek out care for them and to fight for compensation.