Over 3.2 million adults live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the U.S. Up to 40 percent of all adults will enter a nursing home at some point during their lives and as the U.S. population ages, the number of nursing home residents is expected to grow. Many of these elders are well cared for but many may be the victims of abuse.
Elder abuse, particularly when it involves a patient in a residential care facility, can be difficult to detect and for every reported case of abuse, more than five cases may go unreported.
Types of Elder Abuse
The elder abuse can be physical, sexual or verbally abusive. Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, or striking with objects. In nursing homes, other types of abuse can be found in improper use of physical or chemical restraints. Physical abuse can also include sexual abuse from rape to unwanted touching or indecent exposure.
Nursing home abuse is a serious concern and seniors who have been abused have a 300 percent greater chance of death in the 3 years following the abuse than those who aren’t abused. Although most residents are well cared for, abuse continues to be more prevalent than most people know and caregivers are behind over three-fourths of the cases of nursing home abuse.
Sometimes willful negligence is at work. But in many other circumstances, nursing home employees and administrators are unable to protect victims who can’t remember exactly what happened to them or even identify their attackers.
In addition, the elderly are often reluctant to report abuse because they may fear retaliation, or perhaps lack the cognitive ability to report. In many cases, dementia is also a risk factor. One study revealed that up to half of people with dementia experience some kind of abuse. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed anti-elder-abuse laws, but abuse in nursing home abuse still continues.
Suspect Elder Abuse? SACS Consulting Can Investigate
If you suspect someone you love has been abused, SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc. can help. Whether it is a criminal or civil investigation, background screenings, accident investigation, missing person, or physical and electronic surveillance, SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc. can provide fast, professional and affordable investigative services. Contact or call 330-255-1101 to speak with one of our professional investigators today.