When families make the decision to place their loved one in a nursing home, they are putting their complete faith and trust in the hands of doctors, nurses, and other staff at the facility. But an alarming statistic reveals that elder abuse is much more prevalent than many families realize. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), as many as five million elderly Americans face some form of abuse each year.
The NCOA defines elder abuse as any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that is inflicted on an older adult. Many families do not even realize that their loved one is being abused and these cases go unreported. In fact, only 10 percent of nursing home abuse cases are actually reported to law enforcement. If your elderly loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, contact a Hampton, VA nursing home abuse attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out how we can help.
Abuse Increases
Twenty-five years ago, the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study concluded that 450,000 senior citizens are victims of some form of abuse each year. Today, that number has skyrocketed to five million elderly victims every year. As the elderly population continues to increase each year, so too will these numbers.
In 2010, approximately 13 percent of the American population was 65 years of age or older. By 2050, it is estimated that 20 percent of the population will be older than 65. This spike will also likely mean there will be a need for more nursing home facilities to care for many of these elderly citizens. And while there are elderly victims who are abused at the hands of caretakers while they are still living in their own homes, it is nursing home facilities that are rife with elderly abuse perpetrators and represent the biggest demographic of abusers.
In order to protect your elderly loved one who resides in a nursing home, it is important to stay engaged in their care. The residents who are the most vulnerable to abuse are the ones whose families do not visit often and are alone most of the time. Visiting your loved one, watching for any signs of abuse or neglect, and letting the staff know that your family will make sure that your loved one is well taken care of, healthy, and happy.
Contact a Hampton Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp understands how difficult the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be. We also understand how horrifying it can be to find out the people you place your complete trust in care for your loved one have inflicted abuse and pain on your loved one.
If this has happened to your family, it is time to hold the nursing home accountable. Call our office today to meet with one of our dedicated Hampton, VA nursing home abuse attorneys to find out what legal recourse you and your family may have. We will work diligently to make sure your family gets the financial justice you deserve.
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