Over one and a half million people reside in nursing homes, due to their inability to care for themselves independently. This number is expected to reach five million by the year 2040 and these residents rely on facility staff to provide for their medical needs and wellness. Nursing home staff members are responsible for a variety of duties. While health care aides assist residents with daily hygiene, nurses are responsible for more medical duties, including the administration of medication and evaluating care needs. While many nursing home staff members regularly perform their jobs with competence and genuine concern for the residents, others either purposely or negligently abuse the residents who depend on them.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect is Prevalent in the United States
Approximately one-third of the more than 17,000 nursing homes in the United States have been cited for some type of resident abuse. Even more disturbing is the government statistic that one-in-four nursing homes are cited yearly for serious injury or death to a resident. The reasons behind these incidents vary, but inadequate staffing is a significant issue. Instead of using due diligence to sufficiently check the backgrounds of employees, many nursing homes choose to hire caregivers without full knowledge of their histories. This leads to the employment of staff members with criminal backgrounds, and even prior histories of nursing home abuse and neglect. Why is the well being of our most vulnerable placed in the hands of people who already show a propensity for abusive behavior? This shows a reckless disregard for the well-being of residents and the nursing home operators should be held accountable when incidents occur.
Nursing home abuse happens is a variety of ways.
- Physically striking or battering a nursing home resident is a purposeful act of abuse. This often occurs when residents are unwilling or unable to perform in a manner that is acceptable to the nursing home staff member. This may include an inability to eat independently, incontinence or a disability that necessitates assistance with movement.
- Mentally abusing a resident through threats of abuse or intimidation is also unacceptable. Even if there is no physical striking, placing a resident in fear of their safety is classified as abuse.
- Failing to provide for an resident’s basic needs is a form of nursing home neglect. Staff members are hired to administer care. When they fail to do so, it is dangerous to the health of the resident.
- Sexual assaults are another form of physical abuse that unfortunately occur all too often within nursing home settings. Staff members may take advantage of helpless residents or use threats of abuse to sexually assault others.
Let Our Lawyers Help You Today
Placing a family member in a nursing home is an extremely difficult decision to make. When the choice is made, families expect that the facility will ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones. When this doesn’t happen, responsible parties may be held liable. The experienced lawyers of Pita Weber Del Prado can provide you with an aggressive representation. Contact our Miami nursing home abuse lawyers at 305-670-2889 for a free consultation and discussion about the merits of your potential case.
