Nursing Home Abuse and African Americans

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects elderly people of all races. Still, it has been observed that African (black) Americans and other minority nursing home residents are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect.

While nursing homes are meant to provide quality care to seniors, the reality is that many of these facilities fall short of providing the care that the residents need and deserve.

The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse seek justice and hold those responsible for damages accountable for their actions.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a widespread problem that affects minority elders living in nursing homes across the United States. It is defined as any intentional or unintentional act that causes harm, injury, or suffering to a nursing home resident.

Several types of nursing home abuse affect elderly people, each with its own signs and symptoms.

Definition of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

• Physical abuse includes any form of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, or slapping.
• Emotional abuse can be verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation.
• Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact or attention.
• Financial exploitation is a type of abuse where a nursing home resident’s finances or property are illegally or improperly used, often by staff members or other residents, causing harm such as loss of money, property, or valuable possessions.
• Neglect is the failure to provide adequate care or attention of older adults of African descent and other races.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is essential to prevent further harm to the resident.

• Physical abuse can include unexplained injuries, bruises, or scars.
• Emotional abuse can manifest as sudden changes in behavior or mood, such as increased agitation or withdrawal.
• Sexual abuse can include unexplained genital infections or bleeding.
• Financial abuse may occur in sudden changes to an older person’s financial situation or the disappearance of valuable items.
• Neglect may result from poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, or weight loss.

Impact of Nursing Home Abuse on African Americans

African Americans and other minority nursing home residents are at a higher risk of nursing abuse than non-African Americans.

Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse Among African Americans

According to a population-based survey, African American nursing home residents experience higher abuse and neglect rates than white residents.

The study found that African American nursing home patients were 1.7 times more likely to experience elder abuse and 2.6 times more likely to experience psychological mistreatment than white residents.

Contributing Factors to Higher Rates of Abuse Among the African American Population

Several factors contribute to the higher rates of nursing abuse among African (black) Americans. One significant factor is the quality care provided by nursing homes.

Studies have found that nursing homes with more African American residents tend to provide lower-quality care than facilities with a higher proportion of white residents. This disparity in care can lead to neglect and other forms of abuse.

Another factor is the racial and cultural barriers between African American nursing home patients and their caregivers. Communication barriers can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretation of residents’ needs, resulting in inadequate nursing home care or neglect.

Psychological Mistreatment of African American Nursing Home Residents

Verbal abuse, humiliation, and isolation can cause psychological issues, a prevalent form of nursing abuse among African American residents.

Many African American nursing home patients report feeling disrespected and devalued by their caregivers, which can significantly impact their mental health and well-being.

Financial Exploitation of African American Nursing Home Residents

Financial exploitation is another form of nursing abuse that disproportionately affects African American nursing home patients.

Caregivers or other staff members may take advantage of older residents’ monetary resources, such as stealing money or personal property or pressuring them into signing over financial assets.

Racial Disparities in Nursing Home Care

There is a striking racial divide in nursing home care, with African American nursing home patients experiencing a lower quality of care than other races.

Racial disparities in nursing homes are a significant concern, with existing literature showing that minority elders experience lower-quality care than non-minority residents. This issue affects more residents as the population of older adults continues to grow.

Addressing disparities is crucial to improving the health and well-being of all nursing home patients, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Striking Racial Divide in Nursing Home Care

Studies have consistently found that African American nursing home patients receive lower quality care than white residents. These disparities exist in several areas, including staffing levels, access to specialized services, and using physical/chemical restraints.

The reasons for these disparities are complex but rooted in historical, economic, and social factors that have led to systemic racism and discrimination in the nursing home care system.

Quality of Care for African American Nursing Home Residents Compared to White Residents

African American nursing home patients often receive lower-quality care than their white counterparts. They are more likely to experience neglect, have unmet medical needs, and receive inadequate pain management.

Studies have also found that elderly African American nursing home patients are less likely to receive specialized nursing home care for conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Racial Disparity in Nursing Home Care

In addition to the racial disparity between African American and white nursing home patients, there are also ethnic disparities within minority populations.

For example, Hispanic nursing home patients may experience language barriers that affect their ability to communicate with staff and receive appropriate care. These ethnic disparities involving Non-African Americans are often overlooked, resulting in the neglect of their health and safety.

Population-Based Survey on Nursing Home Care and Racial Disparities

A survey found that African American nursing home patients were more likely to experience physical restraints, such as bed rails and chair belts, than white residents.

The use of physical restraints can lead to severe injuries and even death. The elder abuse study also found that elderly African American residents were less likely to receive pain medication and other essential treatments.

Preventing Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that requires proactive prevention efforts.

Advocating for Nursing Home Residents

Advocacy is essential to preventing nursing abuse. Family members, friends, and caregivers can advocate for nursing home patients by staying informed about their rights, monitoring their care, and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Advocacy groups, such as AARP and the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, also play a critical role in advocating for residents nationally.

Financial Resources for Nursing Home Residents and Their Families

Access to financial resources is essential for nursing home patients and their families. Medicaid is a federal program that provides financial assistance for long-term care for those who meet certain income and asset requirements.

Veterans and their spouses may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Veterans Administration. Additionally, some states offer financial assistance programs to more residents than others that can help offset the costs of nursing home care and health services.

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

Reporting suspected abuse is essential to preventing future incidents. If you suspect a nursing home resident is abused or neglected, you can report the abuse to the facility administration, state authorities, or Adult Protective Services.

It is essential to document any evidence of abuse, such as bruises or unexplained injuries, and promptly report it.

Legal Recourse for Nursing Home Abuse

Victims of nursing abuse may have legal recourse against the nursing home or the individual responsible for the abuse.

Legal remedies may include compensatory damages for medical bills and other expenses and punitive damages to punish the responsible party. Victims may also be able to seek injunctive relief, which requires the nursing home to take specific steps to prevent future abuse.

Choosing the Right Nursing Home for Yourself or a Loved One

Choosing the right nursing home is essential to preventing nursing abuse. When selecting a nursing home, consider factors such as staff-to-resident ratios, access to specialized care, and the nursing home’s history of compliance with federal and state regulations.

Tour the nursing home before deciding and speak with other residents and their families to understand their experiences.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Abuse Case

Were you or a loved one harmed by neglect or abuse in a nursing home? If so, it is essential to hold the nursing facility financially accountable. Our personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC can help.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice for the harm you or your loved one has suffered.

Resources:

• Tackling Long-Term Care Issues | Medicare
• Racial Discrimination in Nursing Homes | NCBI