Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, like domestic violence and child abuse, is a public health crisis that crosses all socio-economic lines.  Millions of older Americans are abused, neglected, or exploited each year – often by someone they know – and many of these incidents are not reported.

Elder abuse and exploitation is an issue that must be addressed.  As Americans enjoy longer lives and the senior population continues to grow, abuse will likely grow with it.  And, sadly, during hard economic times the prevalence of financial exploitation increases.

The different types of elder abuse conform to the following:

• Physical abuse: non-accidental force exerted physically on an elderly person that results in injury or impairment (i.e. shoving, pushing, hitting, inappropriate application of drugs and restraints)
• Emotional abuse: verbal abuse that cause depression, emotional pain or distress. This abuse can be applied through intimidation, humiliation, ignoring the victim, and isolation.
• Sexual abuse: physical actions or contact with an elder without their consent. These actions include forcing the elder to undress, perform physical sex acts, or to show pornographic material.
• Neglect: not fulfilling the obligations to properly care for the elder. This kind of abuse take many forms including, but not limited to, failure to provide adequate staff to provide nutrition and hydration, hygienic care, medications, prevent bedsores to develop, failure to supervise and protect against others, etc. “Neglect” can be intentional or unintentional under the law. This occurs in more than half of all reported elder abuse cases.

Incidents in assisted living and nursing homes are challenging to deal with and sometimes difficult to determine what actually happened.  You need to familiarize yourself with the signs of elder abuse and neglect, and learn how to deal with problems that may arise. If you suspect that a family member has been a victim of assisted living or nursing home abuse contact the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg, for the compassionate help you need. I am ready to make sure that the elder care facility is held responsible for poor and abusive care. There is no cost to talk to me for a case consultation. Call me at (951) 788-8325