Elder abuse and neglect is a very serious and real problem that turns vulnerable older residents into victims. Nursing homes and senior living facilities are supposed to be a safe place where the elderly can be well-cared for when things become too difficult. Unfortunately, caretakers and others working in these facilities often take advantage of these residents. In this post we will be covering some ways to prevent elder abuse.
Elder abuse and neglect takes on many different forms, including physical, mental, and financial injuries. These injuries may be the result of recurrent conduct, one single injury, or simple neglect. Whether the caretakers are failing to tend to the resident’s daily needs, such as feeding them and shifting them in bed, or isolating them from other residents and loved ones, it is still abuse.
Here are a handful of tips and some important advice that will help you recognize, report, and stop elder abuse:
- Recognize the warning signs. The warning signs of elder abuse come in many different shapes and forms, but be on the lookout for an older adult who seems to be in a troubling situation and is reluctant to answer questions about it. He or she may also appear hungry, unclean, frightened of his or her caregiver, ill, or confused more often than usual
- Look for the following signs of elder mistreatment:
- Neglect
- Financial abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional/psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Know who is most likely to abuse an elder. Don’t assume that a loved one couldn’t potentially be abusing a senior adult. Family members, neighbors, caretakers, and other senior residents should all be considered when abuse is suspected
- Understand which elders are more vulnerable to mistreatment than others. More than half of victims of elder abuse are older than 80 and two-thirds are women. Additionally, roughly 60 percent show signs of dementia or confusion
If you suspect a friend or family member is the victim of elder abuse, it is important for you to seek help immediately. Notify those in charge at the nursing home, call Adult Protective Services (APS), or tell someone you trust. Elder abuse is very serious and should not be taken lightly.
Here at AMA Law, our personal injury lawyers understand how devastating these types of cases can be for both the victim of elder abuse and their family members. We are committed to helping those affected by elder abuse not only receive compensation for their injuries, but hold those in question responsible. If you or a loved one has been affected by elder abuse, please contact our law firm today.