It is a sad reality that incidents of abuse and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities continue to rise. More than 30 percent of seniors living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities have reported abuse. More disturbingly, that number may not paint an accurate picture as it is believed that only 20 percent of abuse incidents are ever reported.
While the causes of abuse and neglect vary, most cases are a direct result of understaffing. Statistics show that more than 50 percent of America’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities are currently understaffed. As the Baby Boomer generation ages it is likely staffing will dip even lower. In addition, many nursing homes and assisted living facilities fail to properly pay, train and supervise their employees, leaving them to neglect and abuse residents with little oversight to put a stop to it.
Your eyes and ears are the best defense against nursing home abuse. Below are some of the warning signs you should watch for:
- Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization;
- Incidents involving broken bones, especially fractured hips;
- Any injury or death occurring during or shortly after an episode of wandering;
- Heavy medication or sedation;
- Rapid weight loss or gain without explanation;
- Injury at the hands of another resident;
- Frequent illness; and
- Unexplained or unexpected death.
While these are common warning signs of abuse, click below to learn more about the different types of nursing home and assisted living facility abuse.
After learning the warning signs of nursing home abuse, it’s important for you to learn the facts. Click here to read a collection of the most commonly asked questions concerning nursing home abuse and neglect.