As many as 5 million elders are abused each year. It is thought that 1 in 10 elders over the age of 60 have been abused. Elder abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Neglect in providing an elderly patient’s basic life necessities, such as food, housing, medicine or hygiene are some of the most common forms of abuse.
One of the most common reasons why it is a difficult decision to make is because usually families and their extended relatives are unable to provide the level of care that is needed for elderly relatives.
Nursing homes have a legal duty of care under various state and federal statutes. Licensed homes are required to abide by these laws. Nursing home laws, particularly as they relate to difficult areas of elder abuse, vary widely from state to state, but federal laws also protect against nursing home abuse and neglect. Much of the law involving nursing homes was introduced over the past 20 years because of the aging population and increased numbers that relate to nursing home abuse and neglect.