ELDER ABUSE

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Elder abuse, also referred to as elder mistreatment, is any abuse or neglect of a person aged 60 or older by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that threatens his or her health or safety. It is difficult to determine the prevalence of elder abuse because many times cases are not reported. A 2003 National Research Council report estimated that there are between 1 million and 2 million cases of elder abuse and neglect in the United States every year. Family members, adult children, or spouses are implicated in 90% of the cases of elder abuse. Those affected are usually elderly people who are cognitively or physically frail, depressed, lonely, or lacking social support. The August 5, 2009, issue of JAMA is a theme issue on violence and human rights that includes an article reporting that both elder abuse and self-neglect in a community-dwelling population are associated with an increased risk of death.

TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE

Physical abuse such as the infliction of pain or injury,including physical or drug-induced restraint

Sexual abuse, including any nonconsensual sexual contact

Emotional abuse, including infliction of any mental anguish

Caregiver neglect–refusal or failure to fulfill caregiver obligations to meet basic needs, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care

Financial exploitation, including any unauthorized orimproper use of the funds or resources of an elderly person

RISK FACTORS FOR ELDER ABUSE

Elders with memory problems (such as dementia) or who are physically dependent on others

Elders with depression, loneliness, or lack of social support

Caregiver stress when the caregiver feels overwhelmed with the care of the elder

Caregiver has history of substance abuse or history of abusing others

Caregiver has high emotional or financial dependence on the elder

PREVENTION OF ELDER ABUSE

Intervene if you suspect elder abuse–in California contact Steven Peck’s Premier Legal elder care help line at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney or go to www.premierlegal.org

Listen to elders and their caregivers.

Get help from family, friends, or local support groups.

Seek counseling or other support if you are feeling stressed or depressed.

Get help if you have substance abuse problems.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.