Resident-on-Resident Abuse: A Growing Problem

When you entrust the care of your loved one to a nursing home, the last thing that you expect is that they will be abused by either the staff or another resident. According to a recent study, a growing problem in nursing homes that is under-recognized is resident-on-resident abuse.

If you fear that your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to contact the nursing home abuse lawyers at PKSD. We will investigate your claim to gather evidence and pursue justice for your loved one.

For a free consultation, call 414-333-3333.

Abuse or neglect by nursing home staff is a topic that is often covered and widely known. But another type of abuse that is not as well-known may actually be more common.

A 2014 study conducted by Cornell University-Weill Cornell Medical College found that in ten nursing home facilities in New York, one in five residents was involved in some form of aggressive encounter with another resident.

The abuse can take several forms, including physical, verbal, sexual abuse or entering another residents room without permission. In some rare cases, the abuse was so extreme that a resident died.

Although the study did not identify which residents were victims or perpetrators, the research suggests that those most likely to be involved are younger, more likely to exhibit disruptive behavior, and are less cognitively and physically impaired. No significant difference was identified between men and women.

According to experts, the best way to prevent and stop this type of abuse is through staff intervention. The nursing home staff should be trained to recognize resident-on-resident abuse as well has how to intervene and prevent it from happening again.

If you suspect that your loved one is having a problem with resident-on-resident abuse, you should report the abuse in the same way you would report other types of nursing home abuse. Then you should call an injury lawyer in Milwaukee at PKSD to determine if legal action needs to be taken.

Call 414-333-3333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.