While nursing home neglect and abuse are both acknowledged to be serious problems across the country, many Columbus residents don’t realize how frequently these issues occur.
Thousands of families are affected every year, yet not every case of abuse and neglect gets reported. For example, according to one study on the prevalence of elder abuse in the state of New York, for every case referred to social services or legal authorities, there are 24 cases that are unknown. Other states, including Ohio, may also have under reported cases.
Forms of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Nursing home neglect is a widespread problem – with an estimated 12 percent of staff members at elder care facilities admitting to neglecting the needs of their residents. Elder abuse is just as prevalent, and research from the National Council on Aging shows that the issue affects as many as 5 million people each year.
In 2020 alone, ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes received more than 15,000 complaints about neglect and abuse. Reports include instances of:
- Physical violence
- Verbal and emotional harm
- Gross negligence
- Sexual abuse
- Medical neglect
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect of basic needs
- Elder abandonment
Facility staff members who are exhausted, frustrated or simply unscrupulous are some of the most common offenders, but resident-on-resident assaults also occur. In long-term care facilities that lack the proper resources or are chronically understaffed, the risk of becoming a victim of neglect or abuse is higher.
Consequences of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
When a resident of a Columbus nursing home suffers any form of abuse or neglect, the issue can be traumatizing. And, many victims are either unable to report the problem or too fearful of retaliation to call attention to the situation.
The potential consequences of neglect and abuse are many. Consider the following statistics:
- Compared to elders who aren’t harmed, victims of abuse have a 300 percent greater chance of dying
- For those who are abused or neglected, hospitalization is 3 times as likely to become necessary
- The annual losses related to cases of elder financial abuse is estimated to be $36.5 billion
What’s more, victims of abuse and neglect are more likely to suffer depression and other psychological problems. And for some, being abused or neglected leads to disabilities and serious medical issues.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Clark, Perdue & List Today
If you suspect that a loved one in the Columbus area may be a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, an experienced attorney can advise you on how to deal with the situation. At Clark, Perdue & List, our legal team has been fighting to protect the rights of the injured for more than three decades, and we’re ready to help you take action.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled nursing home neglect and abuse attorney, contact our law office in Columbus, Ohio, today.