McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A.

Putting elderly parents or grandparents into nursing homes is not a decision made lightly. When familial care is no longer sufficient, people trust that the around-the-clock care their loved ones need will be there. Likewise, when older people decide on their own that they should seek nursing home facilities to help them, they look for places where the care will be sufficient. However, we hear more and more about nursing home abuse. This abuse comes out in many different ways.

The National Center of Elder Abuse (NCEA) in the United States shows some startling, and downright depressing, statistics. It is estimated that 30% of all nursing homes in the country abuse patients in some way. Hundreds of thousands of people are living with abuse in places where they expect to be cared for. What is worse is that these statistics seem to be on the rise. There are several types of abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial/material exploitation
• Neglect

Neglect is by far the most common form of abuse in nursing homes followed by physical abuse and financial exploitation.

While there is no reason under any circumstances for the abuse suffered by the elderly, the NCEA has developed some theories.

Caregivers are often overworked; it is estimated that nearly half of all nursing homes are understaffed. This may place lots of stress on the workers and cause them to lash out. The easiest targets are those who can’t fight back. But, this is not simply striking out at their charges. Again, neglect plays into this theory.

The elderly in nursing homes often are facing struggles, such as dementia, or anger at being placed in these facilities. When dealing with “troublesome” patients who may have behavioral problems or be disruptive, it may be easier to lock them in their rooms or over-medicate them to keep them in check.

If you suspect your loved one is facing some kind of nursing home abuse, you should first contact the facility administrator or your local ombudsman. You may also call the authorities if you deem it is necessary. You should also call the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. Please contact us for an initial consultation.