| Every day, thousands of elderly Americans are | | | | abuse in retirement homes will not report the |
| physically abused by their nursing home attendants. | | | | instances of abuse they have experienced. This is |
| Many of these patients suffer serious injuries while | | | | usually for fear of repercussions from the facility's |
| others eventually pass away from their injuries. | | | | staff, though some patients are unable to do so |
| Abuse in any form is unacceptable, especially when it | | | | because of medical conditions. |
| occurs in a retirement home. | | | | Many cases of abuse are actually reported by |
| Physical abuse includes any type of physical contact | | | | families of abused individuals. There are many signs |
| one individual inflicts upon another with the intent to | | | | that family members may observe in their loved ones |
| injure or harm that individual. In nursing homes, this | | | | if they are being abused. These signs usually include: |
| occurs with a surprisingly high frequency. An | | | | - Bumps, bruises, and cuts |
| estimated 30% of all homes in the United States are | | | | - Unexplained injuries |
| cited for abuse each year. | | | | - Loved one seeming emotionally distant |
| There are a number of reasons why this occurs. In | | | | - Sudden personality changes |
| most cases, it involves employee frustration. Though | | | | Families that witness these changes in their loved |
| handling patients that may be needy can be | | | | ones should report the homes for management |
| frustrating, it is never an excuse to lash out and | | | | negligence immediately to a legal authority. Reporting |
| abuse someone. | | | | these individuals may save future residents from |
| In many cases, elderly individuals who suffer physical | | | | similar abuse. |