Nursing Home Neglect: A Critical Issue
Elder neglect occurs when those responsible for a senior’s care either refuse or fail to fulfill their professional obligations, posing a risk of harm to the older adult. This neglect, whether intentional or due to inaction, is the most common form of mistreatment among individuals over 60.
Nearly 10,000 complaints of nursing home abuse are filed every year. Each year, one in 10 older adults will experience some form of elder abuse, and many endure multiple types of abuse simultaneously.
Has your loved one suffered neglect in a nursing home? Let’s Chat.
Nursing Home Neglect Facts
- The U.S. Justice Department notes that caregiver neglect is the most unreported type of abuse, with 1 out of every 57 cases being reported. Neglect is also one of the most common types of elder abuse.
- A 2011 study found that 21% of nursing home residents were neglected at least once over a 12-month period.
- According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, neglect accounted for 14% of complaints against nursing homes, and 15.3% of elder abuse complaints were related to neglect.
Source: Elder Abuse Statistics, Nursing Home Abuse Center
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect in a nursing home can have serious, life-threatening health consequences. For example, seniors may be left in bed for days, leading to dangerous and uncomfortable bedsores, or worse, fatal outcomes.
Signs of neglect include:

Signs of neglect include unsanitary living conditions, poor hygiene and more
- Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
- Untreated physical problems, such as bedsores
- Unsanitary living conditions (dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes)
- Poor hygiene where your loved one is left dirty or unbathed
- Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
- Unsafe living conditions, for example, no heat or running water, faulty electrical wiring, and other fire hazards
- Lack of adequate food and water
- Lack of medical aides, such as glasses, walkers, hearing aids
Need Additional Information about Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
- Find blog articles related to Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
- Signs of Abuse & Neglect
- Nursing Home Abuse Neglect
- Elder Abuse Statistics in 2025
Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation
Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Many families rely on nursing home staff to provide proper care for their loved ones. When these facilities fail to deliver necessary care and services, it’s crucial to protect your loved one from such an abusive and neglectful environment.
Proving abuse and neglect can be challenging, but the nursing home abuse lawyers at Nash & Franciskato will investigate all aspects of abuse in the facility where your loved one resides, including staff training, staffing levels, and background checks.
In the Kansas City area, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato are experienced in recovering financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma for your loved one.
We bring:
- Over 80 years of combined experience
- Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
- Free, no-obligation review of your case
- Super Lawyers for over 10 years
- The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
- Compassionate advocacy for you and your family
Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
The qualified nursing home abuse lawyers at Nash & Franciskato will help you answer questions and understand your legal options. We are your advocates and the voice for your elderly loved one. We want to help protect his or her rights. Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free no-obligation review of your case.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 25, 2016. It was reviewed on January 30, 2025, updated for content and accuracy, and republished.