Nursing home abuse is a frightening epidemic that is devastating families in Arizona and across the country. It is difficult to determine actual numbers of elders victimized by abuse, neglect and medical negligence because of inefficient or non-existent reporting systems, and the fact that only a very small percentage of abuse and neglect incidents are actually reported.
Many times, one report of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term facility often reveals a pattern of abuse within the facility. An experienced Arizona Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation of the nursing home facility to determine if that is the case. If you discover signs of abuse or know that a nursing home resident is being abused or severely neglected, you must take action. Elder abuse is a crime that should be reported and stopped.
Nursing homes are regulated by the federal government under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA). Under OBRA, the Arizona Department of Health licenses and certifies the state’s nursing homes and long-term facilities. Facilities must comply with the uniform standards set by OBRA in order to receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. These guidelines were created to ensure the safety and protection of patients. Unfortunately, the system all too often fails to do so.
Abused senior residents are often called silent victims, because they are usually unable to report the abuse themselves. If your friend or loved one lives in a nursing home or long-term facility it is important that you visit the resident frequently and at different times of the day. Nursing home residents who do not have frequent visits from family and friends are at even greater risk of being neglected and abused.
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