You never want anything bad to happen to your loved ones. Knowing the different types of elder abuse can help you find it in the early stages, as well as make you aware of the warning signs. This will help you protect your loved one, especially when they are unable to care for themselves.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can consist of intentionally inflicting injury on the individual. This can include kicking, slapping, punching, pushing, or more. Force feeding an individual is considered physical abuse. Improperly administering medications can be considered physical abuse. Common signs of physical abuse include unexplained injuries or illnesses.
2. Emotional Abuse
Emotional, or psychological, abuse can consist of using the silent treatment. This often means insulting, yelling, or otherwise creating emotional pain in the individual. Signs of emotional abuse include mood swings, a withdrawn demeanor, aggressive or shy behavior, and depression. These are typically characterized by a dramatic change in the individual’s behavior.
3. Financial Extortion
Financial extortion occurs when one takes advantage of an elder’s state to seize their assets. Signs of financial extortion include an unexplained loss of money or unexpectedly adding a caregiver to their will. This is especially relevant if the individual has an insufficient mental state to fully understand what they are doing.
4. Neglect
Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse. This includes neglecting the individual’s personal and hygiene care. Failure to provide adequate nutrition and medical care is neglect. Neglect also includes lack of clean clothes, sheets, and towels. A nursing home or care center is required to provide an acceptable quality of life.
Neglect can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, bed sores, hygiene issues, unsanitary conditions, lice, worsening medical conditions, open wounds, infection, and increased risk of falls. It occurs when a care center is overcrowded or understaffed. It may also occur when the staff lacks proper training or are unqualified to provide adequate care.
Your loved one is likely in a care center because they are unable to care for themselves. You rely on their care center to ensure their safety. If you suspect that your loved one may be the victim of abuse, you should acquire superior legal representation. Contact us at LeBaron & Jensen today!
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