According to the National Coalition on Aging, approximately 5 million men and women over the age of 70 suffer some form of mistreatment every year, but this number could actually be much higher. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported.

Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) reports that, during fiscal year 2015-2016, reports of caretaker neglect, physical or sexual abuse, and exploitation comprised nearly 60% of the complaints brought to the department. Of these, 31% were substantiated. An additional 33% were inconclusive or could not be determined.

CAPS data suggests that physical abuse is the most commonly substantiated claim leveled against caretakers and nursing homes, comprising 23% of all substantiated allegations. Exploitation comes in second at 21% of substantiated claims, with neglect (19%) and sexual abuse (9%) rounding out those claims leveled against others.

Self-neglect accounted for 46% of the claims substantiated by CAPS during the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Despite the rather alarming self-abuse numbers, nursing home abuse and neglect at the hands of others continue to comprise the lion’s share of elder abuse allegations. These allegations are not always substantiated, but without an investigation, they never will be.

The Cherry Creek nursing home abuse attorneys at Leventhal Sar LLC have the resources and experience needed to fully investigate allegations of mistreatment. We are prepared to take your claim as far as needed to protect your loved one against further abuse and neglect, and to help ensure your family gets justice. Call us at 720.667.3030 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

How to Identify Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Mistreatment is not always obvious, but some signs can point to abuse or neglect. In addition to more noticeable signs such as unexplained injury, clear malnourishment, or bedsores, it can help to look for indications such as:

• Changes in behavior
• A withdrawal from the community
• Visible discomfort around staff
• Inexplicable aggressive or violent outbursts
• Anxiety or depression

If you notice these signs, with or without physical evidence, it may be a good idea to contact one of our Cherry Creek nursing home neglect lawyers for a free consultation. During this meeting, we can review your evidence, discuss your options, and begin working to protect your loved one from additional harm.

Please call Leventhal Sar LLC at 720.667.3030 to learn what to do if you suspect elder abuse. Our experienced nursing home lawyers serve the Metro Denver area including Aurora, Arvada, Wheatridge, Cherry Creek, and Highlands Ranch.