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Home » Elder Law » Elder law: Nursing home problems behind recent federal hearing

Numerous people in New Jersey and other states reside in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. They depend on the medical staff employed by these facilities to take care of them. The problem is, too many residents fall victim to abuse and neglect. This very issue was recently discussed in a federal hearing. It is undoubtedly an elder law issue that needs addressing at both the federal and state levels.

Several people had time to share their opinions on the current state of nursing homes in the United States. The CEO of the American Health Care Association claims that nursing home abuse is rare and that quality of care in such facilities has vastly improved over the past decade. Aging advocates, however, believe that profits take precedence over patient care and that abuse in nursing homes is far more prevalent than people realize.

As it currently stands, effective enforcement of quality care is non-existent, and actions against abuse are limited. More than 40% of long-term care facilities in the U.S. have repeated violations, but not much is being done about it. Lawmakers are being asked to step up and punish nursing homes that allow the abuse of patients.

Many nursing homes in New Jersey are quality facilities. Sadly, many are not. Those who believe that their loved ones are being subjected to abuse and ill treatment by nursing home staff do not have to sit by and let it happen. It is possible to report the abuse, and it may be possible to seek compensation for the physical, emotional and financial damages resulting from it. An elder law attorney can assist those who require assistance with protecting their loved ones and hold those responsible for nursing home abuse accountable for their actions.