Nursing Home Abuse

Misconception: Most elder abuse occurs in nursing homes. Fact: Most elder abuse actually occurs in the home at the hands of family members and loved ones. The sad reality is that, in almost all cases, the one mistreating the elderly person is someone whom they know and trust (e.g., a son, grandson, niece, church pastor,…

On June 15, 2017 thousands of people around the world will join in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) through social media, volunteer community service, and public gatherings. WEAAD is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of senior citizens. Coloradans can use…

Countless cases of elder abuse are reported across the United States annually. In Colorado, there are more than 11,000 cases of abuse, exploitation, and neglect in older adults each year—and those are just the reported cases. Many cases of elder abuse can go unreported for years. To understand the problem, and to keep your loved…

Deciding to place an elderly family member in a nursing home can be a very difficult decision, and it gets even more difficult when you’re not sure if they’re truly being taken care of. Elders may seem fine when you visit with them, but they may be hiding details of abuse for fear or embarrassment—or…

In the United States, more than 1.4 million adults older than 65 live in a nursing home, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number is predicted to rise to about 3 million by 2030 as an aging population lives longer. With the rise in an aging population, abuse against…

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, nearly 600,000 Coloradans are now 65+ years old – that’s an increase of almost 47 percent from 2003. That’s the third highest rate of growth in the nation, and by 2030 the number is projected to increase by nearly 77 percent. While Colorado has a…

When most people hear the term “elder abuse” they usually imagine physical or emotional neglect or abuse, but in fact, financial exploitation and abuse impacts our seniors at an even greater rate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Center on Elder Abuse major financial exploitation was self-reported at higher rates…

In Colorado, elder abuse is a growing epidemic, and with more of our seniors choosing to spend their golden years at home, they risk becoming victims to greater abuse by family caregivers. Surprisingly, only 3.4 percent of the 65+ population live in institutional settings, such as nursing homes. According to the National Center on Elder…

Today, the United States has the greatest number of citizens aged 65 and older — that’s 40.3 million elderly Americans. By 2050, that number will jump to an astounding 88.5 million, with Colorado leading the way as one state with the fastest growing aging population. In fact, within the next six years Colorado is expected…