A study conducted by the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse has found that approximately five percent of the elder population has been a victim of some form of abuse. Since the population of elders in the United States continues to rise, issues having to do with elder abuse are on the rise as well. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the fact that elder abuse often goes unreported. There may be many more cases of elder abuse each year than experts are aware of.

Educating Yourself on the Topic of Elder Abuse

By educating yourself on elder abuse issues, you can help those around you recognize this type of abuse when it occurs. With more people taking the time to educate themselves on this topic, this can help encourage nursing home staff and management to be held accountable for the caretakers they hire and the conditions they provide, which may help lower the rates of elder abuse overall.

Below are some ways that you can help encourage a reduction in elder abuse.

• Stay in contact with the elderly individuals in your life and help them to avoid isolation. By being available for frequent contact, you are not only building and strengthening a relationship with an elder individual you care about, but you are also helping them stay connected with someone they can trust.
• Encourage the elders in your life to join community activities and attend religious services. If an elderly person maintains an active lifestyle with frequent social interaction that these activities provide, this will help them remain mentally sharp and create positive friendships with others within their community.
• Make elders aware of common financial scams. This way, they can report any concerns of questions to you and you can help them avoid losing money on scams.

Have you or a loved one been abused?

If so you are not alone in your journey. The Peck Law Group’s elder abuse attorneys in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and throughout southern and northern California have over 45 years combined experience in helping victims of elder and nursing home abuse. Call today at (866) 999-9085 for your free case evaluation or fill out the contact form on our website.

Steven Peck, ESQ.

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to protect those involved in personal injuries. For over 43 years, his dedication has been unyielding. Steve's approach to client representation and care is deeply respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Steven Peck has extensive trial experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for clients.