Elder neglect creates a situation where an elderly person is not cared for appropriately. Essentially, their needs are ignored or forgotten about, leaving them to fend for themselves when they may not be capable of doing so.
Most nursing homes are for-profit businesses
You likely think of a nursing home as a place that offers a service, similar to a hospital, with a focus on helping people who need it most. You imagine that the staff is inspired by a desire to make other people's lives better every day.
Why don't the elderly report abuse or neglect?
If you have a loved one who needs help from an assisted-living facility, the last thing you want to find out is that they've been a victim of neglect or abuse. When you choose an assisted-living property for your loved one, you assume that the people there will care for them as if they're family.
Injuries really are more serious for the elderly
When an elderly person suffers injuries of any kind, it really is more serious than when the same thing happens to a younger person. Even an injury that a young person would think of as relatively minor can have a drastic impact on an elderly person's life.
Risk factors of nursing home abuse
It is a sad reality that elder abuse can happen to anyone, including nursing home residents. Everyone hopes that the staff members will provide proper care and keep patients safe. But abuse in these institutions is far too common. The World Health Organization says that two in three staffers at long-term care facilities report committing abuse in the past year.
A wrongful-death lawsuit holds a nursing home accountable
Nursing home abuse and neglect are two things that you never want to have to deal with. When you entrust your loved one's care to another party, you expect that they will provide fair services to your loved ones and help when it's needed. After all, that's what nurses and providers are paid to do.
Chemical restraints unnecessarily used on seniors
Caring for seniors is a special opportunity that is not suitable for everyone. Sometimes, caregivers cannot rise to the occasion.
Slow response times are a serious issue
Nursing homes and assisted living centers can be very busy places. The staff has a lot to do, and due to low wages and difficult tasks, these institutions are often understaffed.
Can you recognize assisted-living abuse or neglect?
In an assisted-living facility, most residents won't need as much help as elders in nursing homes or similar medical facilities. Most assisted-living facility residents can do some tasks on their own, but they may need help with others. For example, your mom or dad might be able to get around well, but they may struggle to remember to take medications on time or to clean as well as they used to.
