Nursing Home Abuse Facts

The 2000 Survey of State Adult Protective Services (National Center on Elder Abuse) reports the items below.

National Statistics

According to national data, elder abuse is primarily a "family problem" with perpetrators most likely being:

Adult children of the victim (47 percent), spouses (19 percent),
grandchildren (9 percent), or other relatives (9 percent).


The most common types of abuse are:

• neglect (49 percent),

• emotional/psychological (36 percent),

• physical (25 percent), and

• financial/material exploitation (30 percent).
  
  
  Those being abused are the most vulnerable:

• 48 percent of abuse cases involve people who are unable to take care of themselves.

• 29 percent of victims are only marginally able to take care of themselves.

• The percentages include elders who live alone or with relatives, as well as those within long-term care facilities.

  Crimes committed by family members and caretakers occur far more frequently than crimes perpetrated by strangers yet are the least reported and prosecuted. Only an estimated 21 percent ever get reported to Adult Protective Services or the police.

  According to a national study, more than a half-million people, aged 60 and over, experienced abuse, neglect or self-neglect during a single year. The same study estimates that for every reported incident of abuse or neglect, five go unreported.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse attorney in Washington now!

	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.