Nursing Home Abuse
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In the United States in 2000 there were 34,991,753 people 65 and over, representing 12.4% of the population. The US Census Bureau projects that as of 2010 the number will rise to 40,243,713 or 13% of our population, and as of 2030 the number of Americans 65 and older will grow to 71,453,471, representing 19.7% of our population.
As the elderly population continues to grow more and more people will require long-term assisted living, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Long-term elderly care is very costly and as many as 90%, pay for this care with Medicaid benefits due to otherwise insufficient money.
With the increase in the number of the elderly who are living in assisted care facilities, there is an increase in the incidence of abuse in those nursing homes and other facilities
Nursing home abuse happens when the rights of residents are violated. These patient rights are governed both under federal and state law.
A nursing home is required to list and give all new residents a copy of their rights. These rights include:
- Respect: the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Services and Fees: resident must be informed in writing about services and fees before entering the nursing home.
- Money: the right to manage their own money, or choose someone to manage it for you.
- Privacy: the right to keep and use personal belongings and property so long as it doesn't interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others.
- Medical Care: the right to be informed about your medical condition, medications, and to see the doctor of choice. This also includes the right to refuse medications and treatments.
Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer 24/7
Blackman Legal Group is committed to protecting the rights of our elderly and upholding the quality of care in our nursing homes and assisted care facilities by taking legal action to compensate nursing home residents and their families for injuries resulting from abuse and neglect. If you feel that you or a loved one has been victimized while in the care of a nursing home or assisted care facility, call Blackman Legal Group now at 1-800-444-5602 The initial consultation is free and confidential. If the law firm agrees to accept your case, it will work on a contingent fee basis, which means it gets paid only if there is a financial settlement.