As many as 60 percent of Elders who live in a nursing home environment do not receive outside visitors.
Research by Dr. Joyce Varner of the University of South Alabama confirmed the fact that 60 percent of nursing home patients don’t receive visitors and this can have effects far beyond the psychological. They are also the patients most at risk for neglect and abuse.
A resident who doesn’t have visitors may not have anyone to report abuse or neglect to. The elder may be frightened to speak up to anyone who works for the nursing home, so may have no outlet to report abuse occurring by staff members if he gets no outside visitors.
People who go to nursing homes should be watchful for signs of problems. Volunteers and even people who are visiting other residents should be on the lookout for possible signs of problems and should speak up if they see anyone being hurt or being neglected in any way.