Nursing home abuse is epidemic in America
One of the fastest-growing segments of America's population is people over 65 years old, as the large so-called Baby Boomer generation reaches and passes retirement age. In fact, an estimated 36 million people in the United States are over 65 -- and by the year 2026, that number is expected to double.
While many such people will lead long and healthy lives beyond the age of 65, many others will need special care via nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Currently an estimated 1.4 million Americans live in nursing homes or "rest homes." They are spread out among approximately 16,000 such facilities through the United States.
Already, such nursing homes often fail the people who are placed in their care. Due to undertrained and overworked staff faced with stressful, demanding jobs, many times a worker's frustration can spill over into abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident or patient. This abuse and neglect can take many forms, from inattentiveness in neglecting to tend to bed sores or provide proper medication, to active abuse such as violent assaults or sexual attacks.
Imagine how much worse such problems may be as America's population from which nursing home patients are drawn doubles? Will nursing home facilities double, and will their attention to proper care increase? There are no guarantees that this will happen. That's why it is vital that, if a loved one or family member is in a nursing home, you closely monitor their condition for signs of nursing home abuse.
Such signs can include unexplained marks or cuts on their skin, as well as sudden weight loss. Also be wary of a nursing home patient who seems either over-medicated or under-medicated. Examine the body for welts, abrasions or bruises. And listen to the nursing home patient while asking questions as to the level of their care.
If you should then determine that your family member or loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, you should immediately alert an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. Having a skilled legal representative on your side can make a vital impact on addressing the problem, protecting your loved one or family member, and gaining just and fair financial compensation for their pain and suffering. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer today and begin the process of restoring your loved one or family member to a proper level of care, not to mention restoring your own peace of mind.
