Approximately 15,600 nursing homes participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs in the United States. This does NOT take into account the more than 30,000 assisted living facilities in the country. More than 1.4 million Americans – typically persons in frail health – reside in nursing homes. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect impacts many nursing home residents.
In 2015 about 68 percent of nursing homes were owned by for-profit corporations, and 24 percent were run by non-profit organizations. All are regulated under CMS Regulations and Guidelines. Enforcement, however, is left to the states, each of which is required to perform unannounced inspections of every facility.
Sadly, there are nursing homes, paid to take care of our family members, who fail to do so. The causes of nursing home abuse and neglect are well-documented: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that –
* 97% of nursing homes failed to have sufficient staff to meet one or more federal staffing requirements
* 44% of residents were found to have been abused in some way in nursing homes
* 95% of residents report being neglected or have seen others neglected, and
* 50% of nursing home staffs admit to mistreating residents.
Representing families of nursing home residents who have been abused, either through neglect, allowing the development of dangerous pressure ulcers, malnutrition, and dropping residents is part of Parker and Lundy mission to protect those who need it most. It is a privilege to seek justice on their behalf for needless injuries and, hopefully, to prevent future injuries to others.
See the practice areas on our website for more information on this topic here: /Nursing-Home-Neglect-Elder-Abuse.shtml
If you have questions, we are here to help. Stay tuned for more information on this important area of health and safety.