This is, of course, a highly simplified analysis of the situation. It is also in no way meant as an excuse for elder abuse. The simple fact is that abuse or neglect at any level should be clearly unacceptable in our society, from simple neglect like encouraging residents to “sleep in” so they are less bother for the staff to outright physical and sexual abuse. But by identifying the underlying causes of elder abuse in nursing homes, agencies and families can better cope with the issues, recognize the signs of abuse, and hopefully stop abuse before it even happens.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for millions of elderly people. Some estimates range between 2% and 10% of nursing home residents experience some form of neglect and/or abuse each year. Up to five million people over the age of 65 are taken advantage of financially, either through wrongly placing their trust in a person or through out-and-out theft.

Much nursing home abuse is unreported

By its own admission, not even the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) knows exactly how much abuse goes on in nursing homes. Despite state laws, federal programs, and “best laid intentions” there simply is not enough oversight into nursing homes. Even those who are repeatedly fined for violations including extreme acts of violence and sexual abuse are still in business, and show no signs of changing the way they operate.

In other words, it is left to family members to watch for the signs of elder abuse themselves. The combination of large amounts of power over elderly residents and little oversight by government regulators and/or the nursing home management and ownership itself sets up an environment that allows elder abuse to take place. Again long work hours, poor training (including stress management), and lack of support system also increase the likelihood of an abusive environment.

The best method to avoid elder abuse is to avoid these types of environments in the first place. Investigate the nursing home to find out its practices, what complaints the home has against it, what (if any) charges have ever been brought against it, and what steps it took after an incident to prevent it from happening again. Also, ask to see the home’s Form 2567, its state inspection certificate, to see if any violations have been noted against the facility. If you have trouble obtaining it, it may be a strong indication that the home has something to hide.

Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer today

Bottom line is that even though we want to trust that the nursing home is taking good care of our loved ones, this isn’t always the case. Should you ever suspect elder abuse, call the police or 911 immediately – you may be saving a life. And if it is your loved one involved, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates. We may be able to help you get a fair and just settlement to cover additional medical bills, moving costs, and other financial losses as well as secure compensation for his or her pain and suffering.

Call Jim S. Adler & Associates for an informative and free case evaluation or fill out the form on this page with the details of nursing home neglect and abuse against your loved one to start your free case assessment.