A Brown University Study of nursing home patients found a higher percentage of nursing home abuse and neglect among minority patients. The University points out that this is not necessarily racially motivated, but likely because racial minorities are more prone to end up in nursing homes that are underfunded and poorly run. Many nursing homes hire poorly trained and unqualified staff to meet the day to day needs of its patients. Nursing home neglect can result in bedsores, improper follow-up of illnesses, improper administration of medicine, and failure to diagnose illnesses.
As this study points out, such abuse and neglect, is even more likely to occur if the nursing home is in a poor area and is underfunded.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is preventable if family and friends of the patient stay involved. Often, poor care at nursing homes is allowed to continue because the patient has no family to lodge a complaint or to hire an attorney. Nursing homes must treat our aging friends and family with all of the care that they deserve, but it is up to us to ensure this happens.
If you believe that your friend or loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in their nursing home, please contact us for a free consultation.