Nursing Home Abuse By The Numbers

Nursing Home Abuse By The Numbers

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Nursing Home Abuse By The Numbers

Did you know that according to the National Council on Aging, roughly one in 10 Americans aged 60 or older have suffered from at least one of the seven forms of elder abuse? This shocking information identified by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) shows us there is a steady rise in elderly abuse in nursing homes. Using the information provided, we can better understand the overall issue and why it occurs. Below, we have gathered the most commonly known statistics behind nursing home abuse to help provide a snapshot of why/how elderly abuse occurs, who is at risk, and what can be done if someone is suffering from abuse.

At Morgan & Morgan, for over 30 years our team of expert attorneys and staff have been helping victims of abuse get the justice they deserve. Learn more about why millions trust Morgan & Morgan, and how we can help you by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today. 

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  • What Are the Statistics of Nursing Home Abuse?

    Below, we have created a comprehensive list of the most common forms of nursing home abuse and their statistics. 

    • Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual contact from another person. In a study conducted in 2020, the WHO found that sexual abuse was the least reported form of abuse, with less than 2% of nursing home residents speaking up. The study showed that the staff only reported 1% of sexual abuse cases in the homes. 
    • Physical Abuse: Physical abuse occurs when a patient is harmed by force, for instance, via a punch, shove, or slap. This behavior can lead to long-term health problems like broken bones, disabilities, or even death. A recent study by the CDC reported that 24.3% of nursing home residents had experienced at least one instance of physical abuse during their stay. They also found that from 2002 to 2016, the rate of assaults against men ages 60 or older has increased by 75%. Physical assaults against women had increased 35% during the same period.
    • Emotional Abuse: Individuals may also be emotionally abused with intimidation, social isolation, threats, and more. According to a 2020 study by the WHO, emotional abuse was the most reported form of abuse by nursing home staff. They said one out of three staff members admitted to emotionally abusing the home residents. According to the NCVC, nearly 60% of the self-reported abuse cases involved emotional and verbal harm. 
    • Financial Abuse:  According to the NCOA, those elders staying in nursing homes ate more likely to report financial abuse than any other form. The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) reported one in 20 elder adults indicated they had suffered from financial abuse. With nearly 60% of all elder financial abuse cases, a family member is often involved. 

    Understanding the numbers behind elderly abuse in nursing homes is only the beginning. For more information, or if you believe you or a loved one have fallen victim to abuse from a nursing home, contact us today by completing our case evaluation form.

  • Who Is at Risk?

    The unfortunate reality is that any older individual who is in an assisted living facility can suffer from nursing home abuse. However, some individuals may be at a greater risk than others. Below we have outlined the examples of risk factors that contribute to the increase in chances of nursing home abuse.

    • Gender: Studies conducted by the NCVC found that women were more likely to be abused in a nursing home than men. Their research showed that 66% of elder abuse victims were women.
    • Past Trauma: According to the NCEA, those individuals who have experienced abuse or traumatic events in the past are more likely to become victims of abuse again in the future. 
    • Socioeconomic Status: Some researchers have found a connection between those in a lower socioeconomic status and elder home abuse. For instance, those elderly persons who depend on Medicaid to receive nursing home care can wind up living in facilities that offer lower quality of life. 
    • Health Issues: According to the NCEA, poor mental and physical health may increase the risk of abuse. For example, those who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Both the NCOA and NCEA report that nearly 50% of elders with dementia experienced abuse or neglect.
  • Who Is Responsible for the Abuse?

    The reality is that anyone can commit abuse in a nursing home, but reports have shown that family members and nursing home staff are some of the most common culprits.

    • Nursing Home Staff Members:  A study conducted in 2020 by the WHO discovered that over 64% of nursing home staff members had admitted to committing some form of neglect or abuse. This can happen when those staff members are frustrated, exhausted, they can harm the residents they're supposed to care for.
    • Other Nursing Home Residents:  In many cases, staff members are not the only ones to worry about in nursing homes. Other home residents are just as capable of committing abuse to others around them. In 2021, a nursing home resident, who was a registered sex offender had been found to be assaulting another resident. 
    • In-Home Caregivers: The alternative to nursing home living, nurses, or other forms of caregivers can be brought on to help an older person in their own home. However, it is commonly reported that these caregivers have also committed neglect or abuse.
    • Family Members: Unfortunately, family members are the root behind many abuse cases. A study by the NCOA found that relatives accounted for six of every 10 elder abuse cases. 66% of these cases, a spouse or adult child, is often the perpetrator of abuse. Often mental health and substance abuse issues can increase the risk.

    Don't go it alone if you suspect anyone you know or someone in your nursing home is the source of abuse toward yourself or an individual you know. At Morgan & Morgan, our staff of highly trained and experienced attorneys wants to help you get the justice you deserve for your suffering.

  • Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

    Unfortunately, nursing home abuse happens more frequently than most would like to believe. If you think you or a loved one has suffered or is currently suffering from abuse while staying in a nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation. For over 30 years, our law firm has been helping victims of abuse get the help they need in order to get the justice they deserve. Don’t wait to get help for your loved ones. For more information on how our team of nursing home abuse attorneys may be able to help you, contact us today by filling out our free, no-obligation case review form.

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