Because of ever-lengthening life expectancies, the number of senior citizens opting for care in nursing homes has been steadily increasing. While most will experience competent care and a pleasant environment, instances of abuse, neglect, and negligence have been on the rise. There are a number of factors contributing to this rise in Nursing Home Abuse, including understaffing, under-qualified staff members, and the fear of residents to report instances of abuse. Because of these preventable shortcomings, nursing home residents may receive too much or too little medication, may be isolated or unsupervised, may be physically or emotionally abused, or may suffer a host of other forms of abuse. The actions of nursing homes and the rights of residents are found in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) amendments of 1987. Nursing Home Abuse can be the basis for both civil and criminal lawsuits.