nursing home abuse
With the aging of America, the statistics on nursing home abuse are
alarming. Conservative estimates state that one in every three homes in
America will be affected in some way by abuse of an elder relative while
in a nursing home. Nursing home residents nationwide number over 1.6
million and there are currently over 17,000 registered nursing home and
elder care facilities. The number is expected to rise to 5 million in the
next three decades. Sadly, as the number of nursing home residents
increases so does the frequency of abuse
Because of the projected numbers and the problems associated with those
numbers, nursing home care has become an area of public and governmental
concern. As with every medical and care giving facility there are state
and government regulations that govern the duty of care for nursing homes.
In Oregon, as in most states across the country, there are problems with
understaffing and, therefore, nursing homes are using under-trained and
unqualified help. Without proper staffing facilities are at a higher risk
of cultivating abuse and neglect.
Not all types of elder abuse are physical and not all abuse results in
visible injuries. The types of abuse and neglect that have been reported
in nursing homes range from moderate to severe and include sexual abuse,
neglect, abandonment, extortion, psychological and emotional abuse and
physical abuse. There are signs and indications of abuse that families
should watch for such as any injury that cannot be promptly explained,
bedsores, unusual bruises, sexually transmitted disease, out of the
ordinary financial requests and sudden changes in attitude or appetite.
While these signs do not always mean there is nursing home abuse or
neglect present, they are indicators to watch for.
Nursing home abuse in Oregon and across the nation is growing at an
alarming rate. If you suspect elder abuse or neglect by a nursing home in
Oregon, report it immediately to the Attorney Generals office at (503)
229-5576 and then contact an experienced Oregon nursing home abuse
attorney for advice on your situation.
