People are living longer today than they ever have, and the number of our elders who are in nursing home care keeps growing at a rapid pace. The 2010 U.S. Census recorded the greatest number of people age 65 and older in all of the history of the census at 40.3 million, which is about 13% of the population of this country. By the year 2050, those age 65 and older will comprise 20% of the total U.S. population. Those who are age 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.
Along with the greater numbers of elders in nursing homes is the greater incidence of nursing home abuse. One of the ongoing challenges with identifying and curtailing this rampant abuse is getting people to report it. According to the National Research Council, only one in 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported to authorities, which means that a huge number of cases of abuse, exploitation and neglect go unreported each year.
There are five general categories of abuse that our senior citizens endure every day at the hands of their caregivers including:
- Physical abuse. Physical abuse can take the form of hitting, punching, kicking, shoving, restricting an elder to one room and using unnecessary restraints
- Any kind of unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact, touching and sexual assault
- Psychological. Making threats, cursing, scolding and disparaging the elderly person
- Modifying documents without the elder's consent, forging and cashing checks, charging their account for unneeded services
- Neglect. Neglect of a person in elder care can range from failing to maintain clean living conditions, insufficient access to medical care, neglecting personal hygiene, nourishment and hydration
How to report elder abuse in Kentucky
Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state, (KRS 209.030) which means that if you see or suspect elder abuse you are required by law to report it. You can call a toll-free number anonymously to report any instances of nursing home abuse in Kentucky: 800.752.6200. If you want to make a report about a nursing facility, you can contact the Office of the Inspector General at 502.564.7963.
If you have a loved one who has experienced abuse in a nursing home, you may be able to take legal action against the facility. Make sure that you have reported the abuse to the proper authorities and then talk to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who will help you to hold the responsible parties liable for your loved ones’ injuries.
If your loved one has suffered an injury at a nursing home, we want to help make sure the responsible party is held liable for your loved one’s suffering. At Crandall & Pera Law we will protect your interests and help you get the justice you deserve. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case at our offices in Kentucky and Ohio.