The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) in the United States keeps information on nursing home residents and incidence of nursing home abuse. These statistics estimate that more than 30% of all nursing homes have perpetrated some form of nursing home abuse and more than 50% of nursing homes are understaffed. The U.S. General Accounting Office compiled data that estimated that 1/4 of all nursing homes had deficiencies that caused them to harm a resident or put their residents at risk for serious injury or death. What is especially alarming - and extremely troubling - is that NCEA believes that only about 20% of all nursing home abuse ever gets reported. This is likely due in part to a large number of nursing home residents have some form of dementia rendering them unable to effectively communicate any concerns to loved ones.
Even with these alarming statistics, not enough is being done to address this crisis. The combination of low pay for nursing home staff, high staff turnover, and residents who cannot effectively report abuse, create a perfect storm for ever increasing rates of abuse and neglect.
What can a family do?
Although family members may not be able to effect widespread change, they can reduce - although not eliminate - the risk that their loved one will be the victim of abuse and neglect. Some measures include visiting on different days and times of days, question staff about any changes in resident's behavior, question the resident (to the extent possible) about any unexplained injuries and bruises.
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The same pattern appears to be mirrored around the world. Family members and other concerned people - we have a lot to do. Politicians look to other way. It is up to us to force the issue.
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