Nursing Home Abuse - Statistics/Data

The National Center on Elder Abuse, ncea.acl.gov is a wonderful source of information regarding America’s growing elderly population and elder abuse. The website provides important information and even a library to be utilized by the public. This resource is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The growing American elderly population is striking by a graph that shows projections into the year 2050. In fact, the 2010 census revealed that the largest number and proportion of Americans over the age of 65 and older rose to a historic high of 40.3 million individuals or 13% of the total population of the country. This is the “Boomer Generation”. The study shows that by 2050, people age 65 and older will make up 20% of the total United States population. The fastest growing segment of America’s population are those 85 years old and up. In 2010, there were 5.8 million age 85 or older. By 2050, the projection is that 19 million people will survive to live to be 85 years or older.

The numbers are startling, but what is obvious is that elder abuse is rampant. Elder mistreatment as defined by the National Center on Elder Abuse is an intentional action that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm (whether or not the harm is intended) to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. The vast majority of those abused are victimized by family members (approximately 90%), most often adult children, spouses, partners and others.

The elderly that are weakened by disabilities or dementia are the most vulnerable to abuse.

As of 2008, 3.2 million Americans resided in nursing homes. Most of the complaints by those abused in long-term care facilities are of abuse, neglect or exploitation. In one study where nursing home residents were interviewed, and there were 2,000 of them, 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they have been neglected or had seen another resident neglected. In 2008, the U.S. General Accountability Office revealed that state surveys understate problems in licensed long-term care facilities. Seventy percent of state surveys miss at least one deficiency and 15% of surveys miss actual harm and immediate jeopardy of a nursing home resident.

Sadly, 300% of the elders who experienced abuse had a higher risk of death when compared to those who were not abused. The research found on this website showed that victims of elder abuse have had significantly higher levels of psychological distress and lower perceived self-efficacy than older adults who have not been victimized. What is also striking is that in older adults who are victims of abuse or violence, they suffer from increased bone or joint problems, digestive problems, depression or anxiety, chronic pain, high blood pressure and heart problems.

What must not be overlooked here is that the cost of elder abuse is expensive. The direct medical costs are estimated to be in excess of $5.3 billion to the annual health expenditures because of losses related to elder abuse.

As Americans live longer and more live to become elderly, there is more concern about elder abuse and nursing home abuse and neglect.

If you or a loved one has been suffering or died as a result of nursing home abuse, contact Kreisman Law Offices.

Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois nursing home abuse cases for more than 40 years. Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding communities and has successfully resolved cases for those injured or abused in nursing homes for these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling nursing home abuse cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.