Many people spend their whole lives dreaming of how they'll spend their later years. Traveling the country or the world, pursuing hobbies, spoiling grandchildren, and enjoying the company of family and loved ones. If they picture having caregivers to help them later on, they imagine ones who are compassionate and attentive. But the sad reality is that many elderly residents of Union County, New Jersey, never get to experience such golden years.
Elder abuse is a terrible and growing problem in New Jersey and the entire nation, including Union County. Reports of elder abuse have skyrocketed in the years since the COVID-19 crisis, driven as much by the extra stress placed on caregivers and the growing isolation of elderly individuals in the wake of the pandemic.
The problem is even worse than it appears—despite the uptick in reports of elderly abuse, many cases still go unreported. If you are aware of abuse or neglect of an elderly member of your community or family, or if you suspect that such things are taking place, it's up to you to take action. The quality of someone's later years could be at stake.
If you suspect elder abuse is taking place, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is ready to help. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate New Jersey's elder abuse laws and ensure that any abusive situation comes to an end. We can assist families with securing restraining orders and protecting vulnerable parties. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or schedule with us online to learn how we can help.
Recognizing Signs of Elderly Abuse
Elder abuse takes many forms. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation. Abusers can be family members or so-called friends, but nursing home or hospital staff who are supposed to be taking care of the elderly.
Recognizing signs of abuse isn't always easy. While signs of physical abuse, like bruises or other unexplained injuries, can be obvious, other forms of abuse or neglect aren't as readily apparent. Look for things like sudden weight loss or dramatic changes in mood or behavior. If possible, talk to the individual you're concerned about to see if they give any further insight into their situation.
Another possible sign of abuse is that an elderly person suddenly becomes difficult to reach. They're never available when you stop by, and they don't answer their phone or return your calls. Any of this could be an indication that something isn't right.
Abusive situations often don't end unless they have been discovered and reported. Although any of the above indications of abuse could have perfectly reasonable and innocent explanations, it's worth asking questions if you think something is wrong. When the answers don't add up, it's time to contact the authorities.
How to Report Elder Abuse in Ocean County, NJ
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact your local police department right away. Otherwise, contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) office when you suspect an elderly member of your community is being abused or neglected. In Union County, NJ, the APS office is part of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark (CCAN), located at 505 South Avenue E in Cranford, NJ 07016. Their phone number is 908.497.3902.
Additionally, you can reach out to the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services.
If the abuse is taking place in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, contact New Jersey's Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO). This office acts as an advocates for residents of long-term care facilities and will investigate reports of abuse or neglect within these facilities.
Additionally, if the facility in question falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Health, you can file complaints with the Department of Health's Complaint Hotline.
If the abused individual is also considered disabled, you can involve Disability Rights New Jersey in addition to the above resources.
About Adult Protective Services
APS provides help to anyone in the community who is at least 18 years of age and is experiencing abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. APS social workers offer assessments, care plans, legal interventions, and other strategies to protect vulnerable individuals.
You do not need to hire an attorney before seeking assistance from the local APS office, and you are free to contact APS on behalf of someone else if you believe that person is in need of assistance.
The primary role of APS is to protect and assist. They are not going to help you seek justice. But the Lento Law Firm will. Our Family Law Team is ready and willing to get involved in any situation where a restraining order may be necessary or where criminal charges may be warranted. If you're contacting APS to intervene in an abusive situation, contact us as well to make sure the perpetrator doesn't go unpunished.
About Restraining Orders
Restraining orders can be powerful tools for protecting elderly individuals from harm. A restraining order immediately prohibits the respondent individual(s) from making contact with the petitioner of the order. While the respondent will have the chance to challenge the restrictions in a formal hearing, they will be banned from any interactions with the petitioner until that time. Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense with serious consequences, including jail time.
The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can assist with quickly securing a restraining order in New Jersey to protect an elderly individual or family member from harm.
The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Can Help Protect Against Elder Abuse in Union County
If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or otherwise exploited in Union County, New Jersey—or if you are facing mistreatment yourself—contact the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team right away. Call us at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation and put an end to the abusive situation.
