According to the United States Census, people aged 65 and older are expected to make up 20% of the total U.S. population by the year 2050. Of that 20%, those aged 85 and older are the fastest growing segment. In 2010, there were 5.8 million people aged 85 and older, and by 2050, that number is projected to be 19 million. This is due to the fact that baby boomers are now entering the later part of their lives. Many of the baby boomers will be placed in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities because they need medical care and attention.
Though nursing homes and long-term care facilities are supposed to provide care and comfort for the elderly, nursing home resident abuse and neglect cases are very common. There are often reports of residents being physically or verbally abused by employees. It is reported that 1 out of 3 nursing homes across the country have been cited for nursing home abuse.
One of the main reasons nursing home abuse and neglect cases happen in many states, including PA and NJ nursing homes, is understaffing. According to a CNN report, just over 90% of nursing home facilities in the United States are understaffed. When nursing homes are understaffed, residents do not receive the proper care they should get.
Earlier this year, a large nursing home chain in Pennsylvania was sued by the attorney general over allegations that the residents were not properly cared for due to understaffing. Allegations state that the residents’ basic needs were not met, such as taking them to the toilet, feeding them, refilling water glasses, etc.
Sometimes, nursing home residents may also be physically abused. Unfortunately, many cases of abuse may go unnoticed. Abused nursing home residents may not want to tell anyone about the abuse in fear of retaliation, i.e., they may be asked to leave the nursing home or they may be further abused. Other residents may be incapable of telling anyone about the abuse because of their medical conditions, i.e., they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Therefore, it is important for family members to be mindful of unusual bruises or marks on their loved ones’ bodies and changes in their demeanor or personality.
With more baby boomers entering nursing homes, conditions in many PA nursing homes have to change. As Philadelphia nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers, we help abused and neglected residents. We fight for their rights and help them obtain monetary compensation for their injuries. Financial compensation may include medical bills and pain and suffering.
Pennsylvania & New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers
Contact our lawyers for a free consultation for a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. (215) 985-0777
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