Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
Nursing home abuse statistics compiled by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) show a shocking number of residents are abused, injured, or neglected in the State of Florida and across the country each year. Sadly, nursing home residents are among the least able to defend themselves, which makes such abuse particularly egregious behavior. By staying aware of current nursing home abuse statistics, the team at our Daytona, FL, law firm can better approach and handle related cases. This information can also help you and your family better understand how pervasive such behavior can be, and provide you with the incentive needed to take action should you suspect abuse is taking place.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced and committed medical malpractice attorney, contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau today. We pride ourselves on being large enough to help, yet small enough to provide personal and compassionate service. Rest assured, we have your best interests, and those of your family, in mind.
Nursing Home Abuse in America
The NCEA reports that approximately 14 million adults in the United States age 65 and over have a disability. Though many of these individuals receive care from family members, or provide for their own treatment in their disabled state, many more receive treatment in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Unfortunately, some of the very service providers, healthcare professionals, and care assistants entrusted with caring for these vulnerable individuals mentally and physically abuse them – either through neglect or willful malice. Such abuse can severely jeopardize the victim’s health, safety, emotional state, and quality of life. If you suspect abuse is occurring, we urge action on your part.
Relevant Statistics – Understanding the Numbers
Some of the more shocking statistics revolving around elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes, as reported by the NCEA, include:
- It is reported that ⅓ of adult women with disabilities residing in long-term cafe facilities and nursing homes have experienced interpersonal violence (IPV) and ⅖ of women without disabilities have.
- When abuse cases are expanded to include any perpetrator, it was found that nearly 70 percent of disabled women have experienced physical abuse and ½ have experienced sexual abuse.
- Disabled men also receive abuse at an elevated rate. It is reported that ½ of disabled men have experienced physical abuse over the course of their life; 10 percent have experienced physical abuse at the hands of a personal assistance or care provider.
- Based on literature published between 2000 and 2010, the NCEA determined that the lifetime prevalence of any type of interpersonal violence against disabled adult women ranged between 26-90 percent. The lifetime prevalence of interpersonal violence against disabled adult men ranged between 29-87 percent.
- Over the course of their lives, disabled men and women experience interpersonal violence and physical and emotional abuse at disproportionate and elevated rates.
The prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in nursing home facilities should not be underestimated. If you have any reason to believe that your loved one has suffered abuse while in a long-term care facility, we strongly encourage you to take action. Report this abuse to the care facility, contact law enforcement officials if you believe a crime has taken place, and seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney well-versed in medical malpractice and nursing home abuse law.
Let Us Help Protect Your Loved One
Remember, your loved one has rights. If you believe that someone you love has been willfully abused or neglected but don't know who to turn to, we encourage you to contact our law office. We strongly believe in protecting the rights of individuals who are unable to protect themselves, and will dedicate ourselves to bringing about a just and fair resolution to your case. Get in touch to schedule a consultation today.
