The “Greatest Generation” Abused in U.S. Nursing Homes

The “Greatest Generation,” a term coined by News anchor Tom Brokaw, refers to those who grew up during the Great Depression and lived through World War II. In his 1998 novel, “The Greatest Generation,” Brokaw describes this generation as “true to their values of personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith.” Today, a large amount of this generation lives in nursing homes around the United States, where, unfortunately, many of them are being abused or neglected. Mistreatment includes:

• Physical or emotional abuse causing bruising, broken bones or serious depression
• Neglect, causing bed sores, falls or other injuries
• Medical, through improper use of medications to subdue the residents

Some of these victims are our loved ones, who, many of us would agree, embody the characteristics listed by Brokaw above. Some, are veterans, who served our country at a pivotal time.

World War II Veterans Suffering Nursing Home Abuse

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness month.

Many World War II veterans have been abused or neglected while living in veteran centers around the country. One such victim, Allan Kraft, almost died as a result of nursing home neglect, when he was “chemically restrained by the center and left slumped in his wheelchair for several hours.” His children were distraught that their father, who had honorably served his country, received such care.

In 2013, reports surfaced that the Claremore Veterans Center in Oklahoma was so understaffed, that nurses lied on health forms by stating that veterans were receiving proper care. Allegations against the center continued emerging, including accusations of rape and sodomy. One patient even died when bathed in water that was extremely hot.

Sadly, these types of allegations are made often. We can agree that this is no way to treat the people who fought to make our country survive and flourish.

Avoiding Nursing Home Abuse

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is entirely too common. Members of the Greatest Generation are frequently unable to speak up and report what they are experiencing. These most vulnerable members of our society have lived through so much, it is simply unacceptable that the end of their lives should contain such pain. It is critical that family members and friends visit the homes and speak up when they see or suspect something wrong.

Is Your Loved One a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?

Knowing that someone you love is being hurt is heartbreaking. If you believe that your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long term care facility, it is crucial that you get help right away. Contact the Pennslvania nursing home abuse lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, today, for a free consultation.