Each year, hundreds of thousands of instances of elder abuse and neglect occur. This is particularly problematic because it can be difficult for the elderly to speak up and report abuse and neglect. It can be challenging for the families of an elderly person suffering from abuse and neglect to spot the signs of such abuse.

Elder abuse is done intentionally and with harmful motives. In most cases, the abuse or neglect is brought on by actions or omissions of a caregiver. Fortunately, each of the fifty states has laws in place to protect elders from abuse, although these laws can be complex and tough to navigate.

Elder Abuse and Neglect Concerns in California

We have included a list below detailing the more common types of elder abuse and neglect.  While this is a very difficult topic to think about, keeping these signs of elder abuse in mind can come in handy in case you are ever in the unfortunate position to observe this type of abuse.

• Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation occurs when someone, in many cases a caregiver, takes advantage of the elderly person’s finances by stealing money or even property.
• General Neglect: General neglect includes the absence of proper care.  This means failing to provide necessary medication, withholding food or water or even shelter.
• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse includes all types of verbal abuse behaviors such as yelling, intimidation tactics, humiliation, and manipulation.
• Physical Abuse: This type of abuse involves any physical action taken to harm the elderly person, such as hitting, pushing, restraining, and shoving them.
• Sexual Abuse: The elderly are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, which generally refers to non-consensual sexual activity.  This includes sexual activity that the elderly person lacks the mental faculties to refuse.

Elder Abuse Reporting

If you are a family member of an elderly person or even a fellow senior, it is important for you to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and neglect.  With the proper knowledge of the indicators of elder abuse and how to report it, you can make a huge difference.

If you suspect anyone you know is suffering from elder abuse, one option is to report the abuse to Adult Protective Services.  If you want to take further action, you can contact an elder abuse attorney in San Bernardino at Peck Law Group by calling 866-999-9085.

Other Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect to Be Aware of:

• Pressure sores
• Unusual behavior or change in affect
• Bruises or marks on the body
• A change in financial situation
• Threatening or condescending language heard from a caregiver

With multiple offices throughout California, The Peck Law Group’s elder abuse attorneys can you assist you with your case anywhere in the state including (but not limited to):

• Los Angeles / Orange County
• Sacramento
• Fresno
• Palms Springs
• Riverside
• San Diego