A recent Lancet Global Health report revealed a 15.7 percent abuse rate among elderly residents of community dwellings or nursing homes. This means roughly 1 in 6 senior citizens are being subjected to some form of mistreatment either by caregivers or relatives. Worse, only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported.

The ultimate kicker? Another paper shows that abused elders are 300% more likely to die within 9 years of the abuse compared to the non-abused. Senior citizens, particularly the ailing and vulnerable, should be cared for and treated with dignity and respect. They shouldn't be abused in any way.

So, if you suspect that your elderly loved one is being abused in some way, you need to take steps to make the offenders pay for their actions. Our team is here to help you hold the abusers accountable and protect your elderly loved one.

Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out this form to discuss your case.

Signs Your Elderly Loved One is Being Abused

Because most abused elders in nursing homes and community dwellings are often reluctant to report their abusers (usually because the abusers are their caregivers), you have to pay extra attention to determine if they're being abused. Here's what to look for:

• Unexplained welts, bruises, and cuts
• Unexplained broken bones or sprains
• Marks of restraint on the wrists and ankles
• Sudden withdrawal from activities
• Mood or behavioral changes
• Flinching or pulling away when you touch or attempt to touch them
• Bed sores
• Unpleasant smells due to poor hygiene
• Unusual weight loss usually due to malnutrition
• Disheveled appearance
• Sudden sizable withdrawals from their accounts
• Sudden inability to pay their bills or access their funds
• Dirty, unsanitary, or untidy living conditions
• Appearance of hazards such as broken items
• Unusual reticence when a staff member is around

In certain instances, caregivers who inflict physical pain on senior citizens mask their atrocities by only hitting them in non-obvious areas or parts of the body that are usually covered.

Types of Elder Abuse

When most people think of abuse, they mostly think of physical assault. Yet, there are many other types of abuse, and Elder Abuse is a type of Domestic Violence. Types of Elder Abuse include:

• Financial abuse — Where the caregiver manipulates the elderly or directly steals from them.
• Emotional abuse — Where the caregiver verbally berates or torments them emotionally and psychologically.
• Medical abuse — Where the caregiver gives them the wrong medications or dosages or doesn't administer any medication at all.
• Neglect — Where the elder doesn't get the care they deserve

Gathering Evidence to Show Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused

In most cases, relatives or loved ones only visit their elders in the nursing facilities periodically. So, it's often difficult to collect evidence, particularly if the abuser is careful. Apart from paying attention, do the following:

• Talk to them about their abuse.
• Take photos or videos of unusual marks on their bodies.
• Record conversations with the caregiver where you're asking them about the new marks.
• Record missing valuables or items in their dwelling.
• Go through their financial documents and look for anomalies like an unexplained new power of attorney addition or addition to a will.
• Ask other residents about witnessing any abuse and record their statements or watch their reactions.
• Provide the elder with recording equipment so they can record interactions between themselves and their abuser.

Contact an Experienced Elder Abuse Attorney

Once you feel you have enough evidence, talk to The Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm to explore your options. Our team can discuss getting a Restraining Order to protect your loved one, as well as the justice they deserve.

Call 888-535-3686 or fill out this form to talk to an attorney today.