America is only getting older. Currently, there are more than 36 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. With the Baby Boomer generation transitioning from middle age to older adulthood, that number is expected to swell to 86.7 million by the year 2050, and many of these older adults will, at some point, require a form of nursing home or care from and assisted living facility.

While most assistive living facilities provide complete, competent care, there are instances when the quality of care is not up to standards, and as a result malpractice occurs. When dealing with malpractice in the care provided in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, general neglect is the most common manner of abuse. However, older adults are also at a high risk for mismanaged health care, as well as, mental, physical and possible emotional abuse. The consequences of malpractice, neglect and abuse are potentially devastating. This negligence can result in dehydration, malnutrition, and sometimes even death for elderly family members entrusted to the care of staff members at an assistive living facility. In this case, the patient and family can and should seek compensation for any injury of loss endured.