An 87-year-old resident of a nursing home in Stanwood, Wash., was charged with first-degree assault recently in the shooting of a nursing home worker, according to a news report. The resident told police that the nursing home employee had been abusing and bullying him. The worker, who was shot twice in the stomach, was recovering from his injuries, and the resident’s allegations of abuse were being investigated.
Nursing Home Abuse
Although the facts in this case have not yet been determined, abuse of the elderly is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than a million Americans over age 65 are abused or neglected each year by the very people who are supposed to care for them. Precise figures are hard to come by because elderly victims are often hesitant to report abuse because they are afraid of, or are heavily dependent on, their abusers. When older Americans are isolated and dependent on caregivers for everything from bathing to medication, they often make easy victims.
Abuse of the elderly can include anything from verbal harassment or disrespect to physical violence. In addition, an estimated 5 million elderly Americans are the victims of financial abuse every year. Federal and state laws have been enacted to protect the elderly from all forms of abuse and neglect.
If you suspect a loved one has been abused or neglected in a Yakima area nursing home, there is something you can do. You can start by reporting the abuse to the local authorities. Your next step should be to consult an experienced Yakima Valley nursing home abuse attorney to determine what other legal options you have.
The Yakima Valley nursing home abuse attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for the abuse or neglect is held accountable. Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
Site by