Elderly Abuse

Over two million cases of elder abuse were reported in 2017. This is a staggering figure that leaves 9.5% of the elderly population experiencing some type of elderly abuse. Much of the abuse is perpetrated by caregivers and family members. These vulnerable adults are subject to

• Neglect and self-neglect
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Exploitation

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The most common form of elder abuse is neglect. In fact, data suggests that over 58% of elder abuse cases are caused by neglect. Physical, emotional, and monetary neglect are all examples of neglect. Physical neglect occurs when a caregiver or other parties intentionally deny a senior of essential items or care, such as failing to provide preventative health measures or proper hygiene. The senior may be purposefully isolated from the outside world due to emotional neglect, resulting in loneliness and depression. Financial neglect is the deliberate failure to use available financial resources to care for a senior, such as failing to pay for medical care or medications despite having the means to do so. Some effects of neglect include:

• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Pressure ulcers/bed sores

Self-neglect is when a senior citizen refuses assistance which compromises his or her health or safety which also comes in elderly abuse . For example, an elderly person who is unable to take a shower without falling who refuses to have help from another individual may develop health issues due to poor hygiene.

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Emotional, or psychological, abuse is purposefully causing a senior citizen mental anguish. This can be in the form of threats, isolation, insults or even humiliation. Signs of emotional abuse are:

• Withdrawal
• Agitation
• Apathy
• Depression
• Lack of Communication

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Financial exploitation is the use of an elderly person’s funds for personal gain. Financial exploitation includes acts of theft, such as stealing someone’s social security, money, or possessions, as well as acts of coercion, such as changing the beneficiary on a person’s will or assuming power of attorney.

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Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual contact or exposure that the senior citizen has not consented to. This can be perpetrated by caregivers, family members, facility staff, other patients, and home health staff. Signs of sexual abuse are:

• Emergence of a new sexually transmitted disease
• Pelvic Injury
• Emergence of difficulty in walking or sitting
• Bruises on inner thigh or genital area
• Anal or genital pain, bleeding, or irritation
• Bloody, torn, or stained undergarments

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Physical abuse is any violent act that results in injury, disease, pain, or disability. This may include pushing, hitting, or forcibly feeding a senior, as well as improperly restraining him or her. Also included is the administration of improper medications to a senior citizen. Instances of physical abuse can result in unexplained bruising, bone fractures, medication overdoses, or adverse reactions to medications that were not prescribed to the senior or were not administered in the correct dosage.

If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, you should contact your state’s hotline for elder abuse. Moreover, if you or a loved one have experienced any of the aforementioned forms of abuse, please contact our attorneys to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.