Elder Abuse Statistics That Will Make You Think Twice Next Time You Visit Your Loved One

Elder abuse and neglect at home and in nursing homes is vastly underreported and in many cases can lead to irreversible injuries and death. An estimated 1-2 million Americans 65 and older have suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of their caregivers. Many of these elderly people have physical or mental handicaps, which render them unable to speak up and fight for themselves.

Elder abuse can take on many forms including physical, mental, sexual and financial exploitation. Neglect is also severe, as caregivers fail to treat bedsores, leading to serious infections or don’t provide consistent care.

You may think the nursing home or long-term care facility your loved one lives in is safe, but a two-year study by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that 1 in 3 nursing homes was cited for abuse from 1999 to 2001. This statistic is likely much higher now as baby boomers continue to move into these facilities. Adult Protective Services is present in every state, but still, only 1 out of 14 incidents are reported.

Other shocking statistics of elder abuse and neglect in the U.S. include:

• The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates 1 in 10 Americans 60 and older have experienced some form of abuse or neglect.
• A National Center on Elder Abuse study conducted in 2000 found that of 2,000 elderly residents in nursing homes, 44% percent had suffered abuse and 95% had been neglected or witnessed another resident be neglected.
• Up to 90% of elder abuse is inflicted by a family member.
• Elderly people who have been abused are up to 300% more likely to suffer death when compared to other elders who have not been abused.

If you believe a loved one is being abused or neglected by their caregiver or nursing home facility, please contact our nursing home abuse lawyer in Prescott Valley today at 928-778-2660 for a FREE consultation. Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. fights on behalf of clients throughout Northern Arizona including Prescott Valley, Cottonwood and Prescott.