Elder Abuse Attorney Discusses Signs Of Elder Abuse

With the graying of America comes a significant portion of the population that are

currently being cared for by a private caregiver or are living in a long term care facility. By current estimates, there will be close to 60 million people over the age of 65 in the United States by the year 2020. Estimates also tell us that a significant percentage of them will need long-term or private nurse care. By the time we look at the age group over age 85, more than one-third of them will require some type of care. The treatment that our senior citizens receive at a long term care facility, nursing home, hospital or by a private caregiver should be important to every one of us. Some day, that senior citizen will be you. If you loved one has been abused in a nuring home contact a lawyerimmediately.

Unfortunately, elder abuse is all too common in long term care facilities and by private caregivers. Experts put the number of elders that are abused each year at well over one million. Elder abuse can come in many forms - physical abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, mistreatment and neglect are the most common. Often, the victim does not speak up for fear of retaliation or because they are ashamed. So what can you do to try and prevent your loved one from becoming the victim of elder abuse?

1. Look for signs of physical abuse. While elders are more prone to physical injuries, look for unexplained bruises or broken bones, pressure marks, signs of restraints, abrasions and burns.

2. Check for bedsores or poor hygiene. These may be signs of neglect. Medical needs that go unattended and sudden weight loss can also be signs of neglect.

3. Changes in social behavior or alertness can also be signs of abuse. If your loved one suddenly withdraws form his usual routine or his personality appears to change, this could be a sign of abuse or of over-medication.

4. Keep track of your loved ones finances if possible. Any sudden changes, withdrawals or requests to transfer money or property could be a sign that someone is exploiting your loved one.

5. Any bruising or injury around the genital or breast area could indicate sexual abuse.

6. Watch the interaction between the caregiver and your loved one. Is the relationship carefree and mutually pleasant or does it appear strained and tense? If your loved one appears scared, worried, tense or abnormally quiet when the caregiver is around then this could be a sign that they are being abused and are afraid to say anything.

by: Tricia Mills

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