Resident-on-resident abuse in nursing homes is a growing but often overlooked issue with devastating and heartbreaking consequences. Vulnerable residents are frequently left unprotected, exposing them to harm that can disrupt their safety, well-being, and quality of life. When these incidents occur, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be immense — for both the victims and their families. These violations of trust often lead to serious injuries or even death, and the legal process of seeking justice can be complex and challenging.
In one case at Canyon Creek Memory Care Community in Billings, Montana, a vulnerable resident was tragically killed after being shoved by another resident with a history of violent behavior. Despite prior warnings about the aggressor’s potential for violence, the facility failed to intervene. The aggressor faced no charges and remained at the facility for years, while the nursing home denied responsibility for the death. The victim’s family continues to seek justice for the senseless tragedy, even after being awarded $310,000 by the federal civil court in Billings.
How serious is resident-on-resident abuse in nursing homes?
Over 900,000 people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia live in nursing homes and assisted living centers across the United States. Many of these residents are in specialized memory care units, locked dementia floors, or facilities dedicated solely to those with severe cognitive impairments. These homes often promise expert care and a safe environment. But in reality, many of them fall short.
Violence between residents in long-term care facilities is a growing concern. Studies reveal alarming rates of resident-on-resident aggression. A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that 15% of residents in 14 New York assisted living homes experienced verbal, physical, or sexual aggression within just one month. Another study showed nearly 8% of residents engaged in physical aggression toward other residents or staff.
The rise in violent incidents stems from the impact of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These conditions damage parts of the brain responsible for memory, reasoning, and social behavior, making residents more prone to unpredictable outbursts. Residents with severe cognitive impairments may lash out without warning, creating a dangerous environment for everyone involved.
What are the leading contributing factors in resident-on-resident abuse in nursing homes?
Violence in nursing homes often stems from significant management and staffing challenges. Understaffed facilities struggle to meet the needs of all residents, leading to frustration, agitation, and conflicts. When there aren’t enough staff members to properly monitor and care for residents, particularly those with dementia or cognitive impairments, tensions rise, and violence becomes more likely. Inadequate training and lack of standardized procedures to handle aggression exacerbate the situation, making it even harder to prevent or de-escalate violent incidents.
Legal responsibilities of nursing homes
Nursing homes are legally required to provide a safe living environment for their residents, ensuring protection from abuse, including resident-on-resident violence. Under federal and state law, nursing homes must implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse and respond promptly when it occurs. Failure to meet these standards is not only a violation of their duty of care but also a breach of residents’ legal rights. When a nursing home fails in these responsibilities, they can be held legally accountable for the harm their residents suffer.
How can resident-on-resident abuse be addressed?
Long-term care facilities need to take proactive steps to reduce violence among residents. One effective solution is implementing violence-free zones, similar to the safe spaces in schools. These zones would focus on minimizing aggression by setting clear standards for behavior and providing specialized care for residents prone to violent actions.
Facilities must also improve staffing and training. Homes with more staff members and better-trained teams are more equipped to handle difficult situations before they escalate. To prevent conflicts before they occur, nursing home management should train staff to recognize signs of aggression early and intervene promptly.
Another key step is better resident assessments. Homes must thoroughly evaluate incoming residents and carefully consider whether they can meet their needs. This ensures that facilities only admit those who are manageable within the home's capacity.
If your loved one has suffered from resident-on-resident abuse or neglect, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Seeking legal help as soon as possible can protect your loved one’s rights and ensure they receive the justice they deserve. The right attorney will guide you through the legal process and fight to hold the nursing home accountable for their failures.
How do I take legal action if my loved one was harmed in a nursing home?
If you suspect your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect in Georgia, act quickly to protect their rights and seek justice. The nursing home abuse attorneys at Johnson Greer Law Group in Decatur are here to fight for you and your family every step of the way. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of success in holding negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions. For example, in one case, we recovered $405,000 for a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to care for their residents, but when they fail, we step in. We understand the emotional and financial strain these cases cause and are committed to ensuring your family receives the justice and compensation it deserves. Our law firm also works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
To speak to one of our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys, contact us online or call our Decatur law office for a free consultation.
"I would have to say, looking back, that it was actually a very good experience. Nothing can bring mom back; that is very hard. But having George help us understand the injury and making the nursing home company that hurt her pay for it, that at least made a bad situation more bearable. From that standpoint, we are grateful to George and all he did for mom and for us." - YB, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐