7 out of 10 seniors will turn to residential long-term care facilities or in-home assisted living programs to provide necessary medical and caregiving services.
Many people have heard of child abuse but have never considered the possibility that seniors may suffer a similar fate. Elder abuse takes many forms including neglect and physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It can occur in long-term care facilities, but also in their own home at the hands of a caregiver, family member, friend, or another facility resident.
The 2020 Kentucky Elder Abuse Committee Annual Report found that over the last ten years, reports of alleged abuse in long-term care facilities have increased by 130.6% resulting in a 46.7% increase in investigations and a 43.6% increase in substantiated abuse claims.
A recent study by the Families for Better Care ranked Kentucky 29th out of 51 with a grade of “C” finding that 9.2% of Kentucky’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities recorded “severe deficiencies” in the quality of care in their facilities.
Do your homework when choosing long-term care and research all available options. There are many nursing homes and long-term facilities that have an excellent record of care in safe surroundings within a stimulating environment for your loved one.
Seniors, like children, are some of our most vulnerable citizens as they are often unable or afraid to speak for themselves. If your loved one resides in a long-term care facility or has an in-home caregiver, pay special attention to any sudden changes in their appearance, personality, living and financial condition and look for these most common signs of neglect or abuse.
Once the choice is made between either a long-term facility or in-home care, continue to be regularly involved in your loved one’s care. Be visible. Interact regularly with the people who are involved in your loved one’s care. Most importantly, be proactive. Many people suspect abuse but are afraid to get involved or feel it’s none of their business.
If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, but are hesitant to get involved, or do not know how to proceed, the Becker Law Office is here to help you and to lead you through the process to provide necessary medical and caregiving services.
To learn more about how to recognize the signs of abuse and see the official government report on nursing homes in your area, contact us today.