Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer discusses the problem of nursing home abuse

Millions of Americans place their loved ones in nursing homes every year with the belief that they will be well cared for. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a very real problem in the United States. From malnutrition to overmedication and mental and physical abuse, there are a variety of ways that residents can be mistreated in a nursing home. An estimated 3.3 million Americans lived in nursing homes in 2013, which translates to 1 in 7 people ages 65 and up and 1 in 5 of those 85 and older. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), Bureau of Justice Statistics, 36% of nursing homes have been in violation of elder abuse laws.

CNN has reported that 90% of nursing home facilities are understaffed, and one in 3 across the country have been cited for nursing home abuse and other related infractions. Demographics show that the incidents of nursing home abuse will likely rise. Statistics from the NCEA stated that in 2010 there were 5.8 million people aged 85 or older in this country, and by 2050, that number is projected to more than triple to 19 million.

According to Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer, Caroline Munley, nursing home neglect is a problem that many of our senior citizens are faced with on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of the caregivers at nursing homes to provide seniors with the care they deserve, which is why holding nursing homes accountable is extremely important.

If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or abusive caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it’s important to speak up. Common signs of abuse or neglect include:

• Bed injuries/asphyxiation
• Dehydration
• Emotionally upset or agitated, extremely withdrawn and non-communicative
• Falls, fractures or head injuries
• Infections
• Instances of wandering/elopement
• Malnutrition
• Bed sores
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Reluctance to speak in staff members’ presence
• Unexplained or unexpected death of the resident
• Unexplained injuries such as wounds, cuts, bruises or welts in various stages of healing
• Unsanitary and unclean conditions
• Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
• Wanting to be isolated from others
• Over medication
• Resident is frequently ill, and the illnesses are not promptly reported to the physician and family

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected while living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys or visit www.munley.com. Our skilled attorneys have extensive experience in litigating all matters related to nursing home abuse and neglect.