Nursing Home Elder Abuse
Recognize the Signs? Give Us a Call.
Elder and vulnerable/dependent adult abuse affect millions of people in the U.S. It occurs regularly in the community and in long-term care settings such as nursing homes and board and care homes/assisted living facilities.
In 2008, 3.2 Million Americans resided in nursing homes and this number is increasing exponentially. One study estimates that more than two-thirds of 65-year-olds will need assistance to deal with a loss in functioning at some point during their remaining years of life.[1]
Given the aging population and the need for care, it isn’t surprising that the nursing care market is expected to reach revenues of around $460 billion between 2019-2025. Yet, while business is booming, the disparity between cash and care is growing. A congressional report of nursing home records conducted over a two-year period showed that nearly one in three nursing homes were cited for violations that had the potential to cause harm, and almost 10% of all nursing homes have violations that caused actual harm, serious injury, or placed them in jeopardy of death.[2]
A survey of nursing home residents showed that up to 44% reported that they had been abused at some time in residency and nearly all of those surveyed (95%) had seen another resident neglected.[3]
[4]Signs of Elder Abuse
Determining whether your family member is a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse can be difficult as many cases go unreported.
Warning signs of elder abuse may include:
- Bedsores
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Soiled or dirty clothing
- Medication overdose
- Malnutrition
- Nightmares
- Poor personal hygiene
- Self-destructive behavior
- Worsening of medical or mental conditions
- Unexplained injuries
- Unexplained Weight loss
- Withdrawal
Consulting with An Attorney
Bradley/Grombacher LLP is investigating potential class action lawsuits on behalf of anyone with a loved one in a nursing home who has been mistreated or was not provided with a sufficient standard of care.
We are happy to talk with you about your potential claims free of charge. If we decide to represent you in a lawsuit, we will enter into a written contingent fee agreement with you. A contingent fee agreement means we only get paid if we win, and that we will receive our fees from the amount paid by the defendant in the case.
For more information and the schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, please contact Bradley/Grombacher LLP online or by calling (888) 418-7094. Serving clients nationwide.
[1] Peter Kemper, Harriet L. Komisar, and Lisa Alecxih, “Long-Term Care Over an Uncertain Future: What Can Current Retirees Expect?” Inquiry, vol. 42, no. 4 (December 2005), pp. 335–350, http://tinyurl.com/l9ml4a9.
[2] U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Government Reform, Special Investigations Division, Minority Staff. (2001) Abuse of residents is a major problem in U.S. nursing homes, prepared for rep. Henry A. Waxman. Retrieved October 23, 2011 from http://canhr. org/reports/2001/abusemajorproblem.pdf
[3] Broyles, K. (2000). The silenced voice speaks out: A study of abuse and neglect of nursing home residents. Atlanta, GA: A report from the Atlanta Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and Atlanta Legal Aid Society to the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform. See www.atlantalegalaid.org/abuse.htm
[4] https://ncea.acl.gov/NCEA/media/docs/Abuse-of-Residents-of-Long-Term-Care-Facilities-(2012)_1.pdf
