Survey Says: Many Nursing Homes Fail to Report Abuse Allegations
According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, many nursing homes across the United States routinely fail to report accusations of abuse or neglect. Of the 209 nursing homes surveyed, up to 85{feda45885e261fa14202848ec0416fdb5a1c332b072331bc4b7a4cd461f32529} reported at least one allegation to the Office of the Inspector General in 2012. Given that 5 million elderly adults in senior care facilities suffer from abuse, neglect, and exploitation each year, this is hardly a surprising statistic.
As if these numbers weren’t enough to make you think carefully before placing an elder loved one in a senior care facility, the survey also found that only 53{feda45885e261fa14202848ec0416fdb5a1c332b072331bc4b7a4cd461f32529} of the total allegations in 2012 were reported as required by the federal government. Even more troubling was the finding that, of the accusations that were actually reported, 40{feda45885e261fa14202848ec0416fdb5a1c332b072331bc4b7a4cd461f32529} involved abuse at the hands of an employee or willful neglect of a resident.
Choosing a Good Nursing Home for Your Elder Loved One
Although the numbers presented by the U.S. Department of Health Human Services are certainly startling, it is possible to find quality care for your elder loved one. As you explore the options available to you and your family, there are a questions you should ask yourself as you search for the right nursing home:
- How does the staff appear to treat residents?
- How does the staff interact with each other?
- What sounds and smells do you notice in the nursing home?
- Does the food that is served meet nutritional needs and appear palatable?
- Are there social activities planned for the residents?
When you visit a nursing home, you should also take the time to speak with the nursing assistants and staff. One of the most important questions you can ask is if they work a lot of overtime or double shifts. If the answer is yes, you can safely assume that the facility is understaffed, and that your loved one will not receive the care that he or she deserves.
Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers | Mortaikis & Kushel, LLP
If your elder loved one has suffered financial, physical, or emotional abuse in a nursing home facility, he or she is not alone. While our Atlanta nursing home abuse attorneys understand that nothing can erase the pain of abuse and neglect, we can help you and your loved one gain just compensation.
To schedule your free consultation with one of expert nursing home liability lawyers at Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP, call 404-973-0341.