As Pittsburgh’s elderly population continues to grow exponentially, there is an increase in the demand for nursing homes and other care facilities for this generation. While nursing homes can be a great solution for the elderly and their family, sometimes residents of nursing homes do not receive the best care. This can result in nursing home neglect or even nursing home deaths. However, health care professionals and the general public may not understand the full extent of the problem. In fact, studies have been conducted in order to gain a clearer understanding into this problem.
A study found that one in 10 elderly age adults experienced some form of abuse in the last year studied. The study also found that the incidences of abuse often go unreported for a number of reasons. It also showed that women were at higher risk of neglect or abuse than were men. Many instances of elder abuse go unreported every year.
This is an atrocity, since our elders are to be loved and respected, not taken advantage of. If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, do not be afraid to speak up. Talking about the problem can hopefully stop it from happening, and also help those who have been abused recover for their losses and any pain and suffering associated with that loss. Abused elders will often need the help of a loved one to ensure that the incident is reported and investigated in order to seek potential reparations.
There is no way to prevent elder abuse or neglect from occurring. However, there is a way to stop it once it has begun and to pursue damages for any wrongs that have previously occurred. The elderly are to be respected and treated with the utmost care. Anyone intentionally or unintentionally thwarting this process should be held accountable.
Source: ncea.aoa.gov, “Elder Abuse: the size of the problem,” Accessed Dec. 7, 2015