CNN reports that nursing home abuse is a serious problem across the country, but most families don’t realize just how common it is. Nursing home residents are more vulnerable than the general population, and caregivers often take advantage of that vulnerability through abuse, negligence, or financial exploitation.
When it comes to residents who require around-the-clock care, neglecting them can have repercussions that are just as devastating as abusing them. Unfortunately, families who identify abuse or negligence and aim to take it up with the nursing home don’t usually fare well; CNN reports that in many cases, nursing home administrators are reluctant to investigate accusations involving their staff.
Additionally, since emotional abuse and sexual assault don’t necessarily leave physical evidence, it can be hard to prove a case of either. Senior citizens often have decreased cognitive function and faulty memories, so law enforcement personnel don’t always believe their accusations.
If you think your loved one was a victim of sexual assault or abuse and you want to file a nursing home lawsuit, don’t go through the nursing home; turn to the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd instead. Yao O. Dinizulu will evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation. Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation with an elder abuse lawyer in Chicago.
How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Like other kinds of abuse, there is no way to get an accurate picture of the prevalence of nursing home abuse because not all victims come forward or are even capable of doing so. Despite this fact, researchers still track all reported cases of abuse so they can get some understanding of how common it is.
According to the National Council on Aging, at least 10 percent of Americans over the age of 60 have been the victims of elder abuse; however, researchers have speculated that victims or their families report just 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse to the authorities. Additionally, CBS News reports that it is common for residents to abuse other residents.
Approximately 1 in 5 nursing home residents have experienced physical or verbal abuse from other residents. Researchers have found that roughly 75 percent of the abuse between residents is verbal, and 25 percent of it is physical.
That means even if the staff at your loved one’s nursing home seems attentive and caring, you still need to be wary of the other residents. Verbal abuse might not leave any physical signs, but you can gauge your loved one’s demeanor around certain residents to determine if a problem might be present.
If you think your loved one has been the victim of abuse at a long-term care facility and you want to file a nursing home lawsuit in Chicago, turn to the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation with an elder abuse lawyer. You can learn more about nursing home abuse claims in Illinois by visiting USAttorneys.com.
