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The Difficulty of Tracking the Extent of Nursing Home Abuse

All too often, nursing home abuse victims suffer in silence; they may be unable to communicate neglect or abuse, or unwilling to do so. If you have a family member in a nursing home, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of abuse and, if possible, to talk regularly with your family member about his or her treatment and living conditions.

The attorneys at Cullan & Cullan are dedicated to stopping nursing home abuse and helping victims and their families move forward from this traumatic experience. If you believe a loved one is enduring neglect or abuse in a nursing home, please call us at for your free consultation; our knowledgeable lawyers welcome clients from the greater Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, and throughout Arizona.

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, estimates that there are more than 3 million Americans residing in nursing homes, a number that is expected to rise dramatically as baby boomers age. The scope of neglect and abuse is more difficult to pinpoint.

The NCEA refers to a study from 2000 in which 2,000 nursing home residents were surveyed; 44 percent said they were abused and 95 percent said they were neglected or had seen another resident neglected. The NCEA also states that “we simply do not know for certain how many people are suffering from elder abuse and neglect.”

In some cases, victims may not be able to communicate their abuse. In other situations, nursing home residents may be intimidated into keeping abuse or neglect to themselves. Victims may also be embarrassed at their circumstances and choose to not report acts of negligence or abuse.

Those who have family members in nursing homes are advised to watch for symptoms of neglect and abuse such as bed sores, malnourishment or dehydration, unexplained bruises or other injuries, changes in mood or behavior, and poor personal hygiene.

If you suspect a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, you should contact the Arizona Division of Aging and Adult Services. It is also advisable to consult with a knowledgeable nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options.

If you believe a family member is suffering from neglect or abuse in a nursing home, please contact Cullan & Cullan today for your personal consultation. Our experienced attorneys are proud to advocate for nursing home abuse victims from the greater Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, and across Arizona.

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