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In 2006, the population of people over the age of 65 totaled more than 37 million and that number is expected to soar to 71.5 million by the year 2030, according to the Administration on Aging. As our population of aging increases, experts estimate that about one in 20 of these citizens will need some form of assistance.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) showed that in 2006, there were 18,000 nursing homes in the United States and these housed 1.6 million elderly residents. By 2007, the demand for beds in nursing homes will rise so much that it could overwhelm the current system.
With such an increase in demand, the question about adequate nursing home care must be addressed—especially since according to the NCHS, more then 30% of nursing homes in the United States abuse the residents.
What is Considered Abusive?
The National Center for Elder Abuse reports that the number one type of abuse to the elderly is neglect of basic needs and the second is physical abuse by caregivers. Other forms of nursing home abuse include emotional, verbal, sexual and psychological abuse.
In addition, there are many nursing care neglect issues like improper health care, malnutrition and/or dehydration (weight loss or gain), bedsores, falls etc.
When are resident enters a facility, they expect to be cared for, so why the widespread abuse issue? The reasons for the neglect and abuse of the elderly in a nursing home often include poorly qualified and inadequately trained staff, staff with history of violence and not enough staff.
So how does a person educate him or herself on where to place a loved one?
Placing a Loved One
It is up to you to use all your resources to place your loved one in a safe and secure environment. Below is a list of tips given by the Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Resource Center on how to ensure you get the best nursing home for your loved one:
To participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, nursing homes have to comply with the federal requirements. These laws provide information to the public and are easily accessible, so use them for a good source. Also remember that the problems don’t always lie with the nursing homes themselves, but with the staff.
How to Stand up For Your Rights
Many incidents of nursing home abuse go unreported. This is unfortunate because there are stringent laws for the nursing homes to follow from federal, state and local governments. Victims and their families have rights.
If you find your loved one is neglected in any manner, seek the counsel of a qualified lawyer to assist you in your process. Your loved one was violated and the person/facility needs to be accountable for their harsh actions.
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