Our elderly loved ones deserve the best attention and treatment during their golden years. When our loved ones are unable to care for themselves without help, families often look for a nursing home to provide care so they can live independently in the safest way possible.

 

Elder Abuse is a Real Concern

Elder abuse is a real problem in nursing homes in the United States. There are 5,000,000 elderly individuals abused in nursing homes every year. One study showed that 24.3% of individuals experienced at least one instance of physical abuse when they resided in a nursing home. The National Center for Victims of Crime indicates that 5-10% of abuse is physical while 60% is verbal and 14% of residents are simply neglected. Sadly, studies show that only one in 14 incidents of abuse to elders in nursing homes are ever reported, which means that we do not know the full extent of the issue.

When you are looking for a nursing home, you want to take the time to investigate all your options and ensure that you are picking the best residence available. Try to find clean facilities with caring staff and plenty of resources and activities for your elder loved one. These are issues you want to be aware of when you are considering different nursing home options.

 

Who is at Risk for Nursing Home Abuse?

It is important to understand where and how elder abuse takes place. Men and women are equally at risk, but women tend to have higher rates of abuse than men. When an older adult has a mental impairment, they are at even higher risk for abuse. Dementia is a growing concern in America’s aging population, and 50% of those with this disease who live in nursing homes suffer abuse.

When a person was abused in the past, he or she is more susceptible to continued abuse in the future. Individuals with a lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk for abuse than those with higher social and economic standings. Outside of abuse, those who are 65 years and older are 34% more likely to be targeted by scammers and become victims of financial fraud.

With all of these considerations, it is understandable that it is an overwhelming task to find a suitable facility for your aging loved one. Facilities that are properly staffed with higher numbers of caregivers and more nurses employed tend to have the best ratings and happiest residents. The data shows that happy elders live longer. When elderly nursing home residents are abused, they are 300% more likely to die than others who have not been affected by abuse. The fragility of our older population puts those who are abused at a much higher risk of detrimental effects. Hospitalization is three times more likely for abused elders than those who are not abused.

 

Best West Virginia Nursing Homes

Luckily, West Virginia is home to many high-quality options for elder care. Some of the highest rated nursing homes in West Virginia Include:

  • Good Shepherd Nursing Home is located in Wheeling, West Virginia. This nursing home is a non-profit option that has been providing living options to seniors since 1971. It is highly rated with Medicare issuing a 5 rating to this facility. It holds 192 certified beds. The facility works diligently to meet each resident’s physical, mental, and emotional requirements while offering seniors a large, welcoming, home-like setting. There are plenty of activities and amenities for residents. Those residents who need help with showering or dressing and grooming are easily accommodated at this site. Special diets can be accommodated and residents also have access to caregivers during the night should they need any assistance. Offering meal preparation, 24-hour staffing, housekeeping, social and recreational activities, scheduled trips, and exercise and wellness activities, Good Shepherd Nursing Home is a well-maintained and balanced senior residence option. They can be called for more information at 877-523-6523.
  • Continuous Care Center Wheeling Hospital is located in Wheeling, West Virginia. There are 144 certified beds in this facility which Medicare has issued a 5 rating. In business since 1975, this location is a for-profit business. The facility sits high up on a hill overlooking the Wheeling Hospital and the surrounding region. It is a modern facility designed with the comfort of residents in mind. Some of the many amenities offered include a large chapel, multiple family lounges, landscaped courtyards, a healing garden, a spa and hair salon, multiple restaurant options, state-of-the-art kitchens along with smaller country kitchens, activity rooms, and a physical therapy center. For more information, Continuous Care Center Wheeling Hospital can be reached at (304) 243-3813.
  • Rosewood Center is located in Grafton, West Virginia. This is another very highly rated nursing home facility by residents and their loved ones. It is also rated a 5 by Medicare. It is a smaller option with 69 certified beds, and it is a for-profit business. The facility has been in business since 1989. There are many amenities including private and semi-private rooms with full air-conditioning. An activity room, beautiful gardens, a beauty salon and barbershop, cable television, dining room, restaurant dining, alarm security system, laundry facilities, computer and internet access, housekeeping, mail and newspaper, pets are allowed, pharmaceutical devilry, fireplace living room, phone service, and many medical treatment and therapy services available. They can be reached at 304-265-0095.

 

What Should You do if  Your Loved One Was a Victim of Elder Abuse in West Virginia?

If you suspect abuse is happening at a nursing home or you have witnessed it, it is always important to report that abuse to Adult Protective Services. Making the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home means that you are entrusting that the facility and staff will provide them with good care. A nursing home is designed to allow older adults the ability to safely live with the resources and support they need to enjoy their lives. When abuse occurs in a facility, it is important to hold those involved accountable for their actions. The West Virginia nursing home abuse attorney at Goddard Law will help you investigate and file a claim when your loved one was mistreated.

Our team of talented West Virginia personal injury attorney at Goddard Law cares about the safety of your older loved ones and we will fight on their behalf so that justice is served when they have been abused.

Call the effective Morgantown nursing home abuse attorney at Goddard Law at (304) 933-1411 to schedule your free consultation at either our Clarksburg or Morgantown offices.