Sometimes our loved ones will require care that is beyond our ability to provide, so we turn to skilled nursing facilities for assistance. We trust that these facilities will provide the care, respect, and dignity our loved ones deserve. Sadly, this is sometimes not the case.
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 5 million American seniors suffer elder abuse every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one in six people aged 60 and older experience some form of abuse in community settings every year. If your loved one was abused in a nursing home, the Van Nuys nursing home abuse lawyers at Younglove Law Firm want to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Speak with a Van Nuys personal injury attorney if you have been a victim, here are many ways seniors can be abused in nursing homes, including:
Physical abuse includes hitting, striking, pushing, or otherwise intentionally physically harming another. Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. A Michigan State University study found that 24% of nursing home residents reported a staff member physically abused them. WHO reported that 64% of nursing home staff members admitted to committing some type of abuse against a patient within the last year.
The Office for Victims of Crime reports that complaints regarding physical abuse are the most common type of abuse complaint against nursing homes.
According to the Office of Inspector General, one in five emergency room visits in a recent year were due to nursing home abuse or neglect.
Sexual abuse includes rape and forced sexual acts against the vulnerable or those unable to consent. Since 2000, about 16,000 reports of sexual abuse occurring in long-term facilities have been made. More than 1,000 nursing homes were cited for sexual abuse in a recent four-year period.
Emotional, verbal, or psychological abuse includes threats, intimidation, demeaning comments, offensive slurs, and other verbal attacks on nursing home residents.
The Office for Victims of Crime reports that 19.4% of nursing home abuse complaints were regarding psychological abuse.
Financial abuse and exploitation involve the theft or misappropriation of another person’s property or money. The Office for Victims of Crime reports that 7.9% of nursing home abuse complaints are regarding financial exploitation.
Neglect is failing to provide a patient with basic necessities, such as food, utilities, medication, or care. The Office for Victims of Crime reports that 15.3% of nursing home abuse complaints are regarding gross neglect. However, the U.S. Justice Department believes these cases are drastically underreported, with only one out of every 57 cases reported.
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, turn to Attorney Doug Younglove for assistance. Attorney Younglove has handled more than 300 cases in the last five years, so you know he has the competence and skill to take on your case. He’s not afraid to go to trial when that’s the best option for his client. Call us today for a free case review to speak with an experienced Van Nuys nursing home abuse lawyer.