Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse

If you have an elderly relative, you’ve probably considered whether or not placing them in a nursing home is the best way to go. You may worry that they will not be taken care of in the way you expect, and maybe you have decided to leave them at home and get a caretaker to look after them. In this case, you probably worry that whoever you hire will not do a thorough or proper job.

In any case, you may have good reason to worry since elder abuse is much more common than the number of reported cases would leave one to believe. Elder abuse does not only occur in the hands of professional caregivers or healthcare providers, though — it can also be carried out by family members, friends, or even strangers.

If you suspect or have reason to believe that someone is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, do not hesitate or remain silent. It may not just be your hunch; actual elder abuse may be taking place, and it’s better to investigate than to imagine that you are overreacting. Talk to an elder abuse lawyer in Evanston, IL. You may be saving a life.

Types of Elder Abuse

There are different types of elder abuse, some more obvious and easier to spot than others, but all equally worrisome and maybe even dangerous. The following are some of the most common to watch out for.

Physical Abuse

When thinking of elder abuse, it is most likely that physical abuse is what comes to mind. This happens when an individual is hit, pushed, scratched, pinched, or slapped. It also refers to something like physically locking an adult in a room against their will or tying them to a piece of furniture.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

This type of abuse refers to acts such as speaking to the adult with hurtful words, yelling at them, threatening, or ignoring them. Preventing the adult from visiting with close friends or relatives is als[o a form of emotional and psychological abuse.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caregiver does not respond to the needs of the person they are supposed to be caring for. This may include not feeding them, not giving them their medications, not taking them to medical appointments, and not keeping them safe from being injured by themselves or others.

Abandonment

This abuse takes place when the older adults are left on their own, with no regard to their care and needs, and no attention given to them.

Financial Abuse

This common type of elder abuse takes place when they are robbed of their funds, whether they are in a checking account, through their Social Security benefits, by taking hold of their credit cards and using them, and more. Other forms of financial abuse include changing the name on an account, the beneficiary on a life insurance policy, or the title to a property without the owner being aware of these changes or granting permission.

Sexual Abuse

If the older adult is forced to either take part in sexual acts or watch them without their consent, this is sexual abuse.

Although the greatest amount of abuse is suffered by women, some men are also its victims of sexual abuse. In many cases, they are taken advantage of because they are alone, they have no close family or friends nearby, or they suffer from dementia, have memory problems, or have disabilities.

If your loved one shows signs of abuse, has unexplained physical marks, bruises, or burns, has signs of having been restrained, or displays signs of insufficient or improper care, there is no time to waste. Call our offices to set up an initial appointment with a personal injury and nursing home abuse lawyer in Evanston, IL.