IT IS A SAD COMMENTARY on our society that over two million elders are abused or neglected in the United States each year. However, only about one in fifteen cases of abuse are ever reported. Why are so few cases reported? It could be because up to 75 percent or more all elder abuse is committed by relative of the elder, either in the elder’s own home or in the abuser’s home, where he or she is taking care of the elder. The caretaker may have threatened the elder that if the elder tells anyone about the abuse, the caretaker will kick the elder out into the street or use physical or chemical restraints to keep the elder in line.
Approximately 25 percent of elder abuse occurs in nursing homes and other retirement facilities. Federal law covers abuse in nursing homes under the Nursing Home Reform Act. If you suspect that nursing home personnel are abusing or neglecting your elder, notify the nursing home’s ombudsman or the local police department.
Elder abuse can take many forms. It may be done by an affirmative act, such as hitting the elder, or by fondling or otherwise sexually abusing the elder. Or it can be a negative act, such as deliberately failing to feed or provide adequate hydration (water and other fluids) to the elder. It may also consist of psychological abuse, such as yelling at the elder or threatening him or her with physical abuse or the withholding of food, or putting the elder in isolation.
Depriving the elder of medical care for physical and mental health needs is another form of elder abuse. Other examples of elder abuse include: failing to assist the elder in personal hygiene; failing to provide adequate clothing; providing inadequately heated and under ventilated shelter; and failing to protect the elder from health and safety hazards. Also considered elder abuse are failing to provide or arrange transportation to medical appointments or adult day care centers; neglecting or abandoning the elder; physically or chemically restraining the elder as punishment or for longer than is necessary; and otherwise failing to provide assistance necessary to keep the elder safe, well-fed, well-groomed, and comfortable.
To find out more about how to recover compensation for injuries suffered because of nursing home abuse and neglect, call Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney at the Law Office of Andrew A. Ballerini at 856-665-7140. Contact one of our lawyers and set up a free initial consultation about your nursing home lawsuit.
The Law Office of Andrew A. Ballerini
Harvard Law Building
1522 Route 38, Suite 202
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-2214
Phone: 856-665-7140
Toll free: 800-989-5297 (LAWS)
Fax: 856-665-8885