What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect?
For many people with elderly family members or friends in care, ensuring the safety and well being of their loved ones is a top priority. Indeed, there are many excellent care providers who work very hard to ensure that this is the case, and that the elderly get a high level of support and care when they need it in care homes or in their own home.
However, there are some instances where it can be found that this standard of care is sometimes not high enough, leading to neglect which has many negative consequences for the person in question. In some case this can actually amount to elder abuse, where the person in question is deliberately mistreated by carer’s.
In both instances, it is possible to hire an elder abuse lawyer to seek compensation for this kind of situation. These professionals will advocate for the rights of the elderly person in question, and will seek justice in the form of personal injury compensation or criminal proceedings.
There are many different legal definitions of different types of elder abuse, including but not limited to physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment and isolation. All of these are addressed in relevant US penal codes which a good elder abuse lawyer will be able to advise on for anyone who is concerned about the welfare of someone they know.
In all instances, if elder abuse is suspected it is strongly advised to seek out a good elder abuse lawyer in order to receive advice on how to proceed. These legal professionals will be able to advise on every stage of proceedings and ensure that the rights and welfare of the persons concerned are protected.
There are several signs and symptoms of elder abuse which are helpful to look out for, and those with elderly relatives or friends in care or receiving care at home should be aware of these. Some of the first signs are physical ailments and injuries, which are often very noticeable and can cause great distress and discomfort for the elderly.
These include bed sores and malnutrition, and lack of adequate health care when it is needed. If an elderly person you know is not receiving treatment when he or she is ill then this is a sign of elder abuse. Similarly, if the person is not getting adequate nutrition then this is also a sign of elder abuse.
There are certain other signs of abuse that are important to look out for, particularly concerning the mental health of the individual. Wandering and confusion can be signs that there is a lack of assistance and attention from carer’s to ensure that the elderly person is being looked after to a high standard.
It is important to consider whether the nurse or caregiver is attentive to the requests and concerns of the elderly person. The relationship between a caregiver and the elder is very important, and relatives and friends may also be able to spot other signs that this relationship is not efficient and is resulting in the neglect of the elder.
If the nurse or caregiver isolates the elder from friends or family, or seems more concerned with the finances of the elder rather than his or her health, these are also indicators that the elder has fallen victim to neglect, abuse or financial exploitation, all of which have severe consequences.
For those who are concerned about the level of care that their loved ones are receiving, looking out for the signs of elder abuse and neglect is very important. These points listed above are just some of the symptoms of such circumstances and should be kept in the minds of all friends and relatives of elders in care.