According to a recent study conducted by Cornell University, 1 in 5 nursing home residents suffer abuse at the hands of their fellow residents. The study is the first of its kind in collecting data on resident-to-resident abuse. The behaviors observed in the study include physical and sexual violence, verbal aggression and hostility, invasions of privacy, and other negative and inappropriate interactions. Using data gathered from more than 2000 nursing home residents across ten different facilities, researchers determined that those that perpetrated these abusive behaviors were often cognitively impaired, but more mobile than their fellow residents. Over a four-week period, Cornell researchers observed and interviewed elder residents, and distilled statistical data from reports and questionnaires completed by staff:
Nursing Home Resident-to-Resident Elder Abuse and How It Affects the Nursing Home Residents of Southern California
16% of nursing home residents have been victims of verbal abuse from other residents, including instances of swearing and yelling.
10.5% of elderly nursing home patients report invasive behavior from other residents, such as un-permitted room entry and rifling through the personal possessions of others.
6% have suffered from physical abuse, like hitting, kicking, and/or biting.
1.3% reported sexual abuse, including indecent exposure, inappropriate contact, and efforts to exact sexual favors.
Presenting at the Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting in 2014, Dr. Karl Pillemer noted that resident-on-resident abuse is "widespread and common in everyday nursing home life," and that elderly residents suffering from conditions like dementia may act out with "verbally or physically aggressive behavior," resulting in "arguments, shouting matches, and pushing and shoving, particularly in such close, crowded quarters."
A particularly troubling aspect of this study is the lack of action on the part of nursing home staff. Across the country, including in San Diego and the surrounding Southern California area, elders suffer frequent abuse of all kinds from their fellow nursing home residents, and staff reports only a fraction of these altercations. Police are sometimes called to handle instances of theft or assault between residents, but many elderly nursing home residents lack a personal advocate to ensure that justice is delivered and their best interests are served.
If you suspect that your loved one in the San Diego or Southern California area is suffering from elder abuse, either from fellow residents in his/her nursing home or from nursing home staff, take action. Get in contact with a trusted professional who can assess your case and ensure that no abuse is ever repeated. Have your concerns addressed and resolved by a knowledgeable and experienced San Diego nursing home abuse attorney.
If you are concerned that a friend, family member, or loved one has been suffering from elder abuse, contact an experienced California elder abuse lawyer to evaluate your case and advise you on your next steps. Award winning and peer recognized elder abuse attorney, Christopher Walton, has years of experience providing knowledgeable and compassionate representation to victims of elder abuse and their families. Call (866) 338-7079 for a confidential consultation.