It is a sad event when any person is abused and neglected, let alone an elder person who is sometimes not able to defend himself. Abuse in neglect in nursing homes has increased and is continuing to increase, especially with the rise in the elder population. In fact, people over 65 years of age account for 40 million of the United States population. In the year 2016, there were more than two million cases of abuse and neglect that were reported.
That number just shows the reported ones, while many cases go unreported. Just imagine how many cases of abuse and neglect there would have been in total if everyone was reported? With the increase of the elder population, there will be a need of more homes, taking into account that the population 65 and older is expected to double by the year 2030, hitting more than 80 million. With more abuse and neglect cases occurring, there will be a need for lawyers to assist these victims. If injuries and even death were caused by neglect or abuse, compensation can be sought.
While the industry is triumphing, the advantage is being taken of these elderly people. With more residents being placed into these facilities, the more money is being brought to the company, but they are not using their resources accordingly to ensure that health and safety of these residents. Nursing homes want to receive, but they do not want to give. This becomes scary for the families that are looking for the right nursing home.
Facts that Have Been Attributed to Abuse and Neglect Increase
The increase in cases of abuse and neglect will just double with the expected increase of the older population. Here are some factors that may cause this increase:
- Increase in the elder population
- Lack of background checks; only 55% do background checks, while 33% do drug tests
- Lack of staff
- Lack of security
- Lack of medical care
Look Out for These Signs
The indication of abuse and neglect might not always be apparent, but there are some changes within the victim that can be caused by abuse and Neglect.
- Acting irrational
- Showing signs of fear
- Being withdrawn
- Becoming increasingly angry
- Biting
- Self-Harm
Lawyers Representing the Elderly
Abuse and neglect should not be instilled upon anyone, not even animals should be subjected to that. When the family members of the elder person suspect abuse or neglect or already see signs of it, they need to immediately do something about it.
