Shocking Fact: Over 50% of Nursing Home Staff Admit to Mistreating Residents
The thought of your loved one being abused in a nursing home is terrifying. When you make the difficult decision to place a family member in a nursing home, you trust the facility and the staff to care for and to protect your relative from harm. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home abuse is a serious problem in Georgia and throughout the United States.
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides some very startling statistics regarding nursing home abuse.
- Approximately one in three nursing homes are cited for violations of federal standards.
- One in ten nursing homes have been cited for violations that cause residents serious injury, harm, or risk of death.
- Forty-four percent of nursing home residents interviewed reported abuse and 95 percent reported neglect.
- Over one-half of nursing home staff members admit to mistreating residents.
- A survey of certified nursing assistants revealed that 23 percent admitted to swearing or insulting patients; 51 percent admitted to yelling at patients; and 17 percent admitted to grabbing, shoving, or pushing patients.
Nursing home abuse is a problem that must be addressed by strengthening criminal laws and holding guilty parties accountable.
Defining Nursing Home Abuse
The five most common types of nursing home abuse are:
- Physical Abuse – Any physical act intended to cause injury or physical pain to the victim.
- Sexual Abuse – Any nonconsensual sexual act.
- Neglect – The failure of a caregiver to meet the needs of the patient or resident.
- Verbal Abuse and/or Psychological Abuse – Any verbal act carried out with the intention of causing emotional distress, mental anguish, or mental pain.
- Financial Exploitation – Use of a patient’s or resident’s money or property without consent.
The most common type of abuse in nursing homes is physical abuse followed closely by psychological abuse and gross neglect.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
The signs of nursing home abuse will vary depending on the type and severity of the abuse. Below are some common signs of abuse that you should be aware of.
- Unexplained and/or repeated infections;
- Medicine mistakes such as missed doses or overdoses;
- Fractures, wounds, bruises, bedsores, or other unexplained physical injuries;
- Social withdrawal;
- Isolation from other residents or caregivers;
- Lack of proper financial records or accounting records;
- Fear of physical contact;
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain;
- Soiled bedding, soiled clothing, or other unsanitary conditions;
- Begging family members not to leave;
- Fear of the nursing home staff; and
- Constant complaints by your loved one each time you visit.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Attorney
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, contact the lawyers of Council & Associates at (844) 909-2273 or (404) 495-5250 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. You and your family deserve to have justice.
