July 2nd, 2007

"Nursing Homes Cited For Abuse"

A Congressional report released today says that a third of the 17,000 nursing homes in the United States have been cited for abuse, and the number of nursing homes cited for abuse in 2000 was twice as high as the number in 1996. The percentage of nursing homes cited also rose from 5.9% in 1996 to 16% in 2000.

Serious Harm and Injuries

About 1.5 million elderly Americans live in nursing homes. The instances of elder abuse that have been cited include physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. The report showed that among 1,600 nursing homes (about one in 10), more than 2,500 the incidents of abuse put a nursing home resident at great risk of harm, or injured or killed a resident. Specific examples given were:

• A resident's nose was broken when an attendant hit him
• A resident died after another resident with a history of abusive behavior slammed her into a wall
• A resident was raped in her room by a nursing home employee
• A resident was choked and punched by an attendant after she soiled her clothing

The Data Are Underestimates

A review of state nursing home inspection records was requested by Rep. Henry Waxman (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Government Reform Committee. The review revealed that although 5,283 nursing homes were cited for abuse, investigators say that many more violations are not detected or not reported, indicating that the abuse figures are significantly underestimated. Indeed, the investigation found that 40% of the violations were only reported after a formal complaint was filed by residents, their families, or community advocates.

Rep. Waxman said, "It would have been intolerable if we had found a hundred cases of abuse; it is unconscionable that we have found thousands upon thousands." He contends that Congress should reestablish a federal law that increases nursing home spending, in part to enable nursing homes and state officials to do a better job of screening, counseling, and training staff for nursing homes.

Tougher Screening of Staff

Waxman also proposed a program that would require criminal background checks on people who apply for nursing home jobs. Such a standard procedure is not in place. The program would also impose harsher penalties for nursing homes with abuse violations.

As the American population continues to age, a deluge of elderly people needing nursing home care is expected in the U.S.

(Source: www.cbsnews.com)

Has elder abuse harmed you or your loved one? Contact a nursing home abuse attorney today to discuss your circumstances and learn about your legal options.