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The Reality Of Elder Abuse

On Behalf of | Oct 13, 2021 | Elder Abuse

Watching our loved one’s age can be difficult. When our loved ones become older and require care, we want them in the best hands possible. However, those that are supposed to be caring for the elderly sometimes take advantage of them, which can turn into elder abuse. When there is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to a person over the age of 60, this is known as elder abuse.

Elder abuse typically occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person that the family or elder trusts. Elder abuse can happen through emotional, financial, or physical abuse. If you or a loved one has experienced elder abuse, our Sherman Oaks elder abuse attorneys at Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation can help.

Types Of Elder Abuse

All 50 states have enacted legislation to combat elder abuse. California has both criminal and civil statutes defining laws to protect elderly persons when they have been abused. These laws protect from all forms of elder abuse including, but not limited to:

  • Emotional Abuse: This occurs when someone has inflicted mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elderly person through verbal or nonverbal acts. These include acts that humiliate intimidate or threaten the elderly person.
  • Financial Abuse: This is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, including benefits, belongings, property, and assets.
  • Physical Abuse: The infliction of physical pain or injury to an elder, commonly through slapping, causing bruises, restraints, chemical burns, hitting, pushing, or kicking.

Elder abuse is a serious problem, and no form of abuse should be ignored. According to the CDC, elder abuse is experienced in 1 of 10 people over the age of 60. In most of these situations, the elderly person has trouble admitting to the abuse out of fear and anxiety. It is important to monitor the elderly loved ones in our lives and report any suspected forms of abuse immediately; the proof is not necessary to report abuse.

Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse

Every year, hundreds to thousands of elderly persons experience elder abuse through neglect, exploitation, or physical harm. These individuals often have a difficult time helping themselves when they are being abused. It is important to watch over our loved ones and look out for the following problems that might indicate elder abuse:

  • Bruising, pressure marks, abrasions, burns, broken bones
  • Not partaking in normal activities
  • Change in alertness
  • Unusual depression
  • Sudden changes in finances
  • Bedsores, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss
  • Threats, belittlement, exertion of power
  • Loss of relationships and increase in arguments

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the signs of elder abuse because that suffering elder abuse remains silent. It is important that their loved ones remain alert and vigilant. If you notice any changes, no matter how small, you should start to question the situation and alert others of your suspicions.

Contact Us Today

If you discover that your elderly loved one has been the victim of any type of abuse at the hands of caretakers, turn to the team at Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation for help today. Our elder abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling complex elder abuse cases throughout California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County areas.

When you need a California elder abuse attorney, you can reach out to us on our website for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 818-783-5757.

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