Elder abuse and neglect are troubling issues that may concern family members whose loved ones reside in a nursing home. A study conducted by Cornell reviewed factors that were involved in the escalation and causation of abuse. West Virginia residents may be surprised to learn that many instances of abuse are actually caused by a fellow resident as opposed to a staff member.
A collection of information from elderly residents, their family members and employee reports aided the researchers in linking overcrowded facilities, clashes between residents and staff-to-resident ratio as the catalysts that were most likely to exasperate incidents of assault. Of interest was the description of the typical offender – usually a younger resident suffering from a mood disorder who was sharing accommodations with a person of similar characteristics.
Physical and sexual assault and incidences of privacy invasion are common at many long-term facilities. Because staff members may view these transgressions as coming with the territory of working with the elderly, it may not be considered an issue that needs to be addressed. Tackling the reality of resident altercations and establishing such behaviors as abuse can be beneficial in creating preventative measures to curb the rate of recurrence.
Family members of nursing home residents often found to be afflicted with bruises, scratches or other wounds may consider consulting a law office. Attorneys might inform families of what rights residents have and what legal action that they can take to prevent the behavior from continuing. Family members may gain reassurance that their elderly relative can get some type of justice and protection from further abuse.
