Northern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
Unfortunately, it is all too common to hear stories about nursing home abuse and elder neglect. While nursing home facilities have a legal responsibility to provide adequate care for its elderly residents, oftentimes nursing home residents are subject to emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse by nursing home staff.
Complex Nature of Nursing Home Abuse
No one knows exactly the number of older Americans who are being abused, exploited, or neglected. While there is data that suggests that many thousands of the elderly have been harmed, no official national statistics exist. This is due to several factors:
- The definition of abuse can vary, and it is difficult to pinpoint precisely what actions or inactions are considered to be abuse.
- Since there is not a uniform reporting system, state statistics vary greatly.
- Comprehensive national data is not collected.
Elder Neglect Incidence Rate
In spite of the above points, many studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence rate of nursing home abuse and elder neglect, and the findings have solidified the severity of the problem.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), between one and two million Americans aged 65 or older have been exploited, injured, or otherwise mistreated by a person they depended on for protection or care. Below are other statistics compiled by the NCEA regarding nursing home abuse and elder neglect:
- Based upon various sampling and surveys, it is estimated that the frequency of elder abuse ranges from 2 to 10 percent.
- Currently, it is estimated only 1 in 25 cases of financial exploitation of the elderly are reported, which suggests there may be over 5 million elderly financial abuse victims every year in the U.S.
- For every case of elder abuse, exploitation, or neglect reported to the authorities, it is estimated that at least five others go unreported.
- In 2003, 20,673 complaints of abuse, exploitation, and gross neglect were investigated by state Long Term Care Ombudsman programs on behalf of nursing home residents.
- Among seven types of abuse categories (physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and self-neglect), physical abuse was the most commonly reported.
Legal Solutions for Your Specific Case
When it is discovered that a loved one has been abused by someone whom you and your family trusted, it may be difficult to decide to pursue legal action against those who are responsible for the suffering of your loved one. At Estey and Bomberger, our Northern California nursing home abuse attorneys can help you understand the legal options available to your family. We are dedicated to assisting you in filing a claim against a negligent caregiver or nursing home facility while you focus on helping your loved one recover from their abuse or neglect. To learn how we can help you during this difficult time, please call (800)-890-6722.