Becoming Aware of the Different Types of Elder Abuse

Every year there are thousands of elderly individuals that fall victim to neglect and abuse of a trusted caregiver, family member, or nursing home staff member. These terrible acts are committed against individuals that are often unable to defend themselves. Many of them are experiencing mental and physical ailments that prevent them from being able to tell anyone what is happening. There are many different types of elder abuse. Some elderly adults are neglected, and others are physically, mentally, or sexually abused. All forms of abuse are harmful and should be reported immediately if discovered. Lawyers that specialize in elder abuse should be contacted so they can address the situation.

Elderly adults that experience dementia are often unable to take care of themselves. They slowly stop doing things that they were once able to do. They often digress to the point where they can no longer prepare their own meals, go to the bathroom on their own, and they forget to do things like bathe or brush their teeth. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to make sure that all of the elderly person’s basic needs are met. If a caregiver does not make sure that the elderly person is eating nutritious foods, it can cause health problems. If the elderly adult is not bathed on a regular basis and toileted frequently it can result in serious sores and infections. Failing to ensure that these things are happening is considered neglect, which is one of the types of elder abuse, and it is an awful crime.

One of the saddest things about dementia is the behavioral changes that accompany it. Individuals that suffer from dementia will often demonstrate bizarre and inappropriate behavior. This does not give a caregiver license to mistreat the elderly individual. Physical violence is not an acceptable method of controlling behavior. Physical abuse is one of the most common types of elder abuse, and the danger it presents makes it particularly important to contact a physical elder abuse lawyer. Mental and emotional abuse is also a serious cause for concern. Verbally demeaning, or threatening an elderly adult can cause emotional trauma. Taking advantage of an elderly adult sexually is also demeaning, damaging, and it is punishable by law. Elder abuse attorneys can help prosecute individuals that are guilty of committing these types of crimes.

Family members, friends, and loved ones should constantly be looking out for the wellbeing of the elderly adults in their lives. If someone starts to notice signs that one of the types of elder abuse is happening, they should report it immediately. It is important to speak in behalf of individuals that cannot speak for themselves, and make sure they well taken care of. Call elder abuse lawyers to fight for the rights of those being victimized.

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