Elder abuse can happen to almost anyone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of older Americans are abused or neglected. Elder abuse can occur in the person’s home, a loved one’s home, a nursing home, or assisted living center.
If you think your loved one is a victim, you may be able to sue for elder abuse. Below are examples of elder abuse and related information.
Types of Elder Abuse
There are several types of abuse that older Americans may suffer:
Physical Abuse
This occurs when a person causes bodily harm by pushing, hitting, or slapping the older person. This also may include restraining the person against their will, such as locking them in their room or tying them to the bed.
Emotional Abuse
This also may be called psychological abuse. It may include the caregiver using negative words, threatening, yelling, or ignoring the person. Keeping the older person from seeing friends and family is another type of emotional abuse.
Neglect
This occurs when the caregiver fails to respond to the person’s needs. This can include emotional, physical, and social requirements. It also may consist of withholding drugs, food, water, and access to proper healthcare.
Abandonment
Leaving an older person alone who cannot take care of themselves.
Sexual abuse
When a caregiver forces an adult to perform or watch sexual acts.
Financial Abuse
This occurs when money or assets are stolen from the older person. It might include forging checks, taking someone’s retirement funds, or using their credit cards and bank accounts without having permission.
Signs of Elder Abuse
You might see signs of abuse or neglect when you pay a visit to an older loved one at a nursing home. You may notice the following signs:
- No longer takes part in hobbies they enjoy
- Has a messy and unkempt appearance, including dirty hair and unwashed clothes
- Is not sleeping well
- Loses weight and there is no reason for it
- Acts violent, agitated, or withdrawn
- Shows signs of trauma, such as rocking back and forth
- Has bruises, cuts, or burns that have no explanation
- Eyeglasses are broken or show signs of being physically restrained
- Has bedsores and other preventable conditions
- Does not have necessary medical aids, such as dentures, hearing aids, or medications
If you see these signs, do not hesitate to take prompt action.
What to Do?
Elder abuse seldom stops on its own. People need to step in and help to put a stop to the abuse. Many older Americans are ashamed to report they are mistreated. They may fear that if they make a report, it will get back to the abuser, and things will worsen.
If you know someone you think is suffering abuse, talk with the person when you two are alone. You might say that you think they are being abused, and you are concerned. You can offer to take them to get help, such as at a local adult protective services center. Also, go directly to the nursing home administration and report your suspicions.
Many state, local, and national social service agencies can assist with physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
Suppose the alleged abuse occurs in a nursing home or assisted living facility. In that case, the facility may be legally liable for the abuse and could be the subject of an elder care lawsuit.
It is common for nursing homes to have issues that lead to elder abuse, such as understaffing to save money, not hiring qualified staff, training employees improperly, and negligent behavior by third parties.
Talk to an elder abuse attorney to determine if the nursing home and/or its employees can be held liable.