Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is devastating for victims and their family members. Unfortunately, elder abuse is much more common than most people realize, though incidents of elder abuse are vastly under-reported in the United States. Elder abuse can occur in many situations, including inside medical facilities, in assisted living facilities, as well as in a person’s home. Here, we want to discuss the seven types of elder abuse that occur on a regular basis.
What Are the Seven Types of Elder Abuse?
The National Council on Aging states that approximately 10% of all people over the age of 60 experience some form of elderly abuse each year. Regardless of the type of elder abuse, the consequences can be devastating. This includes serious physical injuries as well as emotional pain and suffering.
Physical Elder Abuse
Physical elder abuse refers to the intentional use of force against an elderly person that causes direct physical harm, leading to pain and even death.
Warning Signs of Physical Elder Abuse
There are various warning signs of physical elder abuse, including:
- Broken bones
- Unexplained bruises
- Burns
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains or strains
- Unexplained hair loss
- Tooth Los
- Signs of self-treated injuries
Additionally, other signs of physical elder abuse could include a change in the alleged victim’s behavior or personality.
If you think your elderly loved one has suffered neglect or abuse, do not wait to act. Whether the abuse occurred in a nursing home, residential care facility, or private home, our Orange County elder abuse attorneys will conduct the necessary investigations and gather the information needed to bring those responsible to justice.
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Elder Self-Neglect
Self-neglect is one of the most overlooked forms of elder abuse. This occurs when an elderly person is no longer able to meet their basic needs but fails to make arrangements to have those needs met by others.
Signs of Elder Self-Neglect
The most common signs of elder self-neglect include a person:
- Not being able to dress themselves
- Failing to get enough nutrition or hydration
- Failing to maintain their basic hygiene
- Failing to maintain their home
- Not receiving proper medical care
- Not properly managing their finances
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Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
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The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
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If you suspect that abuse has occurred, know that you are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. Trust yourself and follow your instincts. First of all, contact the California Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services (APS). This is a government agency specifically charged with licensing, certifying, and overseeing nursing homes and similar facilities. They are in charge of investigating reports of abuse, so making a report to them is the best place to start.
Once you have contacted them, call us at Siegel Law. We have years of experience handling these kinds of cases and will sit down with you for free and help you understand your options going forward. It is easy to become overwhelmed in this situation, which is why our Orange County elder abuse lawyers offer guidance to those who need it.
What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, you need to contact the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. This includes reporting any evidence of elder abuse to law enforcement officials immediately so that steps can be taken to ensure the safety of the victim. There are also various state agencies that may need to be notified if the elder abuse took place at an assisted living facility or other type of medical facility.
You should work with an attorney as soon as possible who has experience handling elder abuse cases. An attorney will be able to help secure compensation for a victim’s medical expenses, the cost to relocate to a new facility, coverage of pain and suffering damages, and possible punitive damages against the alleged abuser.
How Can an Elder Abuse Attorney Help?
A skilled elder abuse attorney is going to be necessary to successfully pursue the perpetrators of abuse. Elder abuse victims deserve compensation for what has happened to them, but these cases can become complicated. An elder abuse lawyer will have the resources and legal expertise necessary to conduct a complete investigation into the incident, gather the necessary evidence, prove liability, and negotiate a fair settlement. You do not have to go after the perpetrators of this abuse alone.
