Signs Of Elder Abuse And What You Can Do About It
Abuse can happen to any elderly person, and no matter the type, we are here to tell you how to recognize the signs of elder abuse and what you can do about it.
There are a few different types of elderly abuse:
- Financial
- Physical
- Emotional
- Neglect
Signs to watch for if you believe there is a case of elder abuse:
- Seems depressed confused or withdrawn
- Has unexplained bruises
- Appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over-or undermedicated, or not receiving needed care for medical problems
- Recent changes to their banking or spending habits
According to the nursing home abuse center, risk factors for elder abuse include:
Age: Adults over the age of 80 are more likely to suffer from elder abuse, according to a 2014 medical study from Northwestern University and Rush University researchers.
Caregiver: A caregiver who lives with the elder, depends on them for financial support, abuses drugs, or has a criminal background may be more likely to commit abuse.
Gender: The 2014 Chicago study found that women were more likely to suffer from elder abuse. Women may also suffer from more severe types of abuse over longer periods of time, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health: This includes poor physical health and mental health issues such as dementia. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), nearly 50% of those with dementia suffer from elder abuse and neglect.
Isolation: According to a 2015 report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), nearly 13 million older people in the U.S. lived alone. Elders who live by themselves or who are withdrawn may be at risk of abuse, according to the NCOA.
Knowing when and how to press legal charges can be confusing, so it is important to have an attorney that is equipped to handle these types of cases. Florida Statute Section 825.103 – Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Elderly Persons and Disabled Adults was enacted to prevent abuse, exploitation, and neglect of Florida seniors by anyone who holds a position of trust or power over them. This includes nursing or assisted living staff.
As one of the largest retirement states in the United States, the state of Florida sees record numbers of elder abuse cases each year.
If you or someone you know is suspicious of elder abuse, the Corry Law Firm is here and willing to help, and we don’t win unless you do.
Give us a call, or schedule a free consultation below.