Elder Abuse Lawyer

The term ‘elder abuse’ brings with it the images of physical wrongdoings. However, it encompasses a whole lot more and varies from situation to situation. Most common heard-of cases, relating to elderly abuse are not just physical but emotional as well.  Exploitation also in matters related to finances is also common as is neglect.

In America, every year, most of the cases reported are all incidents of negligence towards the elderly. However, the law has advanced recently relating to elder abuse. Such victims are now protected under many acts of the law, due to which they now have the option of voicing their problems rather than suffering silently.  Many attorneys in the country have specialized in Laws relating to the elder people, and are always ready to help out the victims.

Negligence, towards the elderly, happens when a caregiver or a loved one fails to provide the older individual with proper food and water, medicines on time, fresh and timely washed clothing, shelter and personal hygiene assistance, which basically includes everything the person needs to survive with and live a healthy life. There are laws in the country that state that the elderly citizens are entitled to be provided with the same basic living essentials that any human being needs. It is mandatory for the caretaker to provide the old person with what he/she needs and whenever he/she needs it.

We can categorize the neglect of the elders as follows: 

Active which is basically abuse caused intentionally

Passive or  abuse caused unintentionally

In the first type, a caretaker may genuinely help the elderly in a way which is less than what the older person may actually require, which leads to inadequate care. For example, a caregiver fails to provide food or medication on time or refuses to assist the elderly person with bathing. Such incidents are very much prevalent in nursing homes but much more prevalent at home. Often, it is seen that the person committing the abuse is a family member of the elderly. It is advisable that if you or a loved one is suffering from negligence (active or passive), take the help of a professional in elderly laws who can suggest you on possible actions that you can take.

The evident signs and symptoms of this form of abuse  are weight loss, unhygienic living conditions, sickness due to malnutrition, or bed sores to name a few.  When such symptoms are noted then, it is better to take immediate steps to identify the source and if possible correct the negligence.  It has been seen a lot many times that talking or listening to the elderly about their problems makes them, psychologically, feel better.

 

 

Reasons for such condition may be because of the following reasons:-

·         Self-neglect

·         Ability of the old individual to care for oneself

·         Neglect by the caregiver

It is estimated that for each case of elder abuse reported in the California, there are as many as five cases that are not reported. With such stats, 855-WIN-THE-CASE provides with qualified elder abuse lawyers across the country. If you believe that you, or an older family member, are suffering from negligence, call 855-WIN-THE-CASE and help the elderly lead an easy life even in the most difficult phase of their life.