When we send a loved one to live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, we expect them to receive top-notch treatment; however, that’s not always the case. In fact, a disturbing new report shows that as many as one-third of all elderly citizens living in these types of facilities are the victims of nursing home abuse or neglect.
The study was conducted by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee and showed that 5,283 nursing homes and care facilities were cited for more than 9,00 infractions of abuse and neglect from January 1999 to January 2001.
These numbers leave many wondering what the most common types of nursing home abuse and neglect are. According to ABC News, the report showed some of the most commonly recurring incidents involved:
- Neglect- The most common evidence of this type of carelessness was untreated bedsores on patients, which develop from pressure on the skin and tissue due to a lack of movement.
- Physical Abuse- This particular type of abuse is often identified by injuries to patients such as lacerations, bruising, internal injuries, or broken bones.
- Verbal Abuse- One of the most difficult types of abuse to identify, a verbal assault can consist of yelling, threatening, or demeaning a patient with words.
- Sexual Abuse- Any form of nonconsensual touching in a sexual manner.
At Lundy Law, we know how suffering from abuse or neglect can affect a patient’s well-being and we’re here to help if you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Call our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at (800) LUNDY-LAW to get the help you need today.
