Elder abuse is a complex issue that affects many people simultaneously. It can happen in the home, at work, or even in nursing homes. The elderly are often more vulnerable to abuse because they are often more dependent on others for their care and may not be able to protect themselves from physical or emotional harm.
There are many types of elder abuse, including physical abuse and neglect; financial exploitation; sexual abuse; emotional distress; and even death. Elder abuse occurs when someone intentionally causes harm or threatens the safety of an older adult by taking advantage of their age or disability.
Physical abuse can include beating an older adult with objects such as belts, fists, feet, etc.; choking them with ropes or cords; burning them with cigarettes; causing injury by throwing objects at them (e.g., chairs) or hitting them on a regular basis (e.g., with fists); pushing an older adult down stairs or off furniture; hitting an older adult over the head with something heavy like a frying pan; or strangling them using another person’s hands (e.g., if their hands are restrained behind their back). Emotional neglect may include ignoring an older adult’s special needs (e.g., food preferences), ignoring pleas for help from an older adult who has fallen and
In the 1980s, there were an alarming number of reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Congress created the Nursing Home Reform Act in 1987 in an effort to improve nursing home operations and procedures and set standards for the care provided to residents. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 included several pieces of legislation (OBRA 1987).
Knowing your rights under the Nursing Home Reform Act is crucial if you live in a nursing home or have a loved one who does. These rights will be covered in this article, along with how they can help you be secure and content whether you live at home or somewhere else, as well as how to receive assistance if something goes wrong while you are a resident of a nursing home.
Are the members of your family getting the right kind of care? GPW can assist whether you’re searching for an elder abuse attorney in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or anywhere else in Michigan. Our lawyers have experience with cases of nursing home abuse.
Get in touch with GPW for a free consultation if you or a loved one isn’t getting the care that’s mandated under the law.
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