The age of abuse

Elder abuse is an unimaginable offense that has been going on for decades. It first came to be recognized as an issue of growing concern in the 1970s, and nursing homes have, since then, seen greater regulations and supervision. Even now, the problem may be understated. Research conducted by the US General Accountability Office demonstrated that among surveys conducted on a statewide level, there were commonly minimized problems occurring in licensed facilities. The study indicated that surveys commonly miss one or more deficiency as well as immediate jeopardy and harm of a resident of a nursing home.

Another problem that is now recognized is nursing home residents abusing other nursing home residents. The occurrence is reportedly more commonplace than abuse by the actual staff of the nursing home. However, in knowing this, the staff must work to protect residents from one another.

Some negative impacts resulting from the abuse of elders is:

• Pressure sores.
• Wounds.
• Welts.
• Head injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Lacerations.
• Dental problems.
• Bruises.
• Hydration issues.
• Nutrition issues.
• Pain.
• Greater vulnerability to new illnesses.

Sadly, that is not even an exhaustive list. Research shows the repercussions of abuse are as far-reaching as financial and social consequences, not to mention the psychological distress the abuse renders to survivors. Reportedly, abused elders have a 300 percent higher mortality rate than unabused elders. Psychologically, elderly women were more likely to display a mental decline when verbally abused rather than from suffering physical abuse.

If someone you loved has suffered in a nursing home, you or they may be owed substantial remuneration. You may feel that the fault was your own, but in truth, when you are paying a significant amount of money for care, that includes supervision and assistance to the level required to keep your loved one from harm. So whether your loved one has suffered a fall or has suffered adversely from incorrect medication or dosing or whether they have faced physical or emotional abuse, you can do something about it, and you should. No one deserves this sort of treatment while at their most vulnerable and your New York personal injury firm will work with you to hold the offenders accountable.