Elder Abuse and Neglect

What is Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse Reporting?

Sadly, every year hundreds of thousands of elderly people, beloved parents and grandparents are abused, mistreated, and neglected.

Many times, seniors too frail or in a vulnerable psychiatric state can’t speak up. At other times, families aren’t sure what signs to look for.

All 50 states have elder abuse laws in place – however, navigating the legal terrain is often challenging.

If you or a loved one have been physically abused at a nursing home or an assisted living facility in California, it’s crucial to act right away. Speak with an elder abuse attorney at the Peck Law Group today by calling toll-free 866-283-6981.

An experienced California Elder Abuse attorney at the Peck Law Group will help bring those responsible for the abuse to justice and ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

When one is held legally accountable for their actions, it helps to prevent similar incidents from happening to others in the future.

The Peck Law Group has over 55 years of combined experienced in protecting the rights of elders and dependent adults. Speak with a lawyer today for your free case evaluation by calling 866-283-6981 or by contacting us on our website.

Elderly Adults in America

There are around 52 million elderly adults in the United States. What is more, according to PRB, this number is expected to nearly double to approximately 95 million by 2060.

Living longer does not necessarily mean living better. Quality of life in the US for older Americans has become worse, particularly for those who are struggling financially or have chronic diseases and /or ailments.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we discuss and educate ourselves on issues related to senior wellbeing.

Common Types of Elder Abuse

Below is a list of common types of elder abuse. This may be difficult to read because it seems unfathomable. Unfortunately, it’s a horrifying reality. The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge, tools, and resources to ensure you provide the best care for yourself and/or your loved ones.

• Health Risk Neglect: For example, if you or your loved one is suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, chronic bladder infections, kidney infections, or bed sores (also known as pressure ulcers and pressure injuries), your caregiver is not taking proper care of your health needs.
• Emotional Abuse: Can be characterized as any kind of verbal abuse, inflicting emotional duress on another person, intimidating or humiliating someone, as well as threatening their lives or livelihood.
• Financial Gain/Exploitation: Seniors in vulnerable psychiatric or physical situations can be exploited. Unseemly caregivers might conceal funds, property or steal a senior’s assets.
• Neglect: The negligent failure of any person having the care or custody of an elder or a dependent adult to exercise that degree of care that a reasonable person in a like position would exercise which encapsulates a lot of broad terms. For example, if a caregiver refuses food, shelter or proper medical care, all of this puts an elder person in a very vulnerable and dangerous position.
• Abandonment: Essentially, when a caregiver doesn’t provide proper care, they can go so far as to abandon an elder person, placing them in harm’s way.
• Sexual Abuse / Rape: Non-consensual sex of any kind. If an elderly person doesn’t have the mental facilities to say no, it’s sexual abuse. If a senior is forced to participate in any sexual act without their consent, it’s sexual abuse and if there is penetration it might be considered Rape. Again, we know this is difficult to hear and read.
• Physical Abuse: Assault, Battery, Slapping, Pushing, Shoving, Punching, Restraining, Kicking, et al, are all forms of Physical abuse inflicted upon seniors and dependent adults. Physical Abuse can also incur by using medications improperly.

In some cases, it may be difficult to determine whether your loved one is in fact a victim of elder abuse.

We know that for every 1 elder abuse case reported, there are 5 cases that go unreported. For this reason, we suggest that anyone concerned about elder abuse report the abuse immediately.

Elder Abuse Reporting

Whether you’re a senior or a family member responsible for the care of a loved one, knowing what to look for and how to report elder abuse is very important. Think of it as being armed with knowledge and resources so you know what to look for.

If you or an elderly loved one are in immediate danger, call your local authorities. Otherwise, speaking with an Elder Abuse Attorney at the Peck Law Group shall be one of the best steps to take in protecting you and your loved one’s rights.

Call one of our office toll-free (866) 283-6981 to speak with an attorney at the Peck Law Group today.

Questions to Ask Your Loved Ones

Responses to the below questions may help inform you of whether or not your loved one may be at risk for elder abuse:

• Do you feel safe?
• Has anyone yelled or made threats toward you?
• Are you fearful or afraid of anyone?
• Have you been physically hurt by anyone?
• Has anyone failed to take care of your needs?

Signs of Elder Abuse to Look Out For

Mistreatment of elders is not just a topic for healthcare professionals or law enforcement. The truth is that any older adult can become a victim. Thus, it is imperative that we all learn how to recognize the signs of elder abuse and intervene when necessary. Common signs of elder abuse to look out for are:

• Bruises, broken bones, abrasions, or bumps
• Bruising or lesions on or around breasts and the groin area.
• Pressure sores / a red sore. This could also resemble an open wound. If left untreated for too long, pressures sores can lead to death. There are different stages of Pressure sores, I, II, III, IV. Please read more about this on our blog by clicking this link.
• If you or your loved one is retreating or uninterested in participating in usual activities, this could be a sign of elder abuse.
• If you overhear an elderly person being threatened or belittled by their caregiver.
• Changes in finances. For example, if you or your loved one’s bank accounts have dwindled and you’re their legal guardian, it’s possible you or your loved one is being financially violated.
• Depression is a big indicator, too.

If you notice any of the above signs, please be sure to contact an Elder Abuse Attorney at the Peck Law Group today.

Who is at risk of Elder Abuse?

While elder abuse can happen to anyone, research shows that certain adults are more at risk than others. Victims of elder abuse are more often frail, cognitively impaired, or disabled. This is understandable as such individuals are more likely to be physically and/or cognitively dependent on others. Elderly women are more likely than men to be abused as well. In fact, more than 60% of elder abuse and neglect victims are women.

What are the consequences of Elder Abuse? Why should we care?

We should all care about Elder Abuse, as victims are dramatically affected by it. Victims of Elder Abuse or mistreatment have a greater mortality rate. In fact, their risk of dying is around 300 times greater than that of older adults who are not abused. Abuse is also associated with lower life expectancy and decreased quality of life.

Is there a way to prevent Elder Abuse and Neglect?

The first key to prevention is education. It is important to educate yourself and your loved ones on the types of Elder Abuse, and their respective signs.

Beyond education, the key to minimizing Elder Abuse is to remain socially connected to the older adults in your life. Check-in regularly. Ask them how they are doing. Staying in touch with your loved ones can limit social isolation and also allow for early detection of potential abuse.

Call (866) 283-6981 for your free case evaluation today and learn more about how the Peck Law Group can help you. Cases are taken on a contingency basis only, meaning if you don’t win, you don’t pay.

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

• Sacramento
• Fresno
• San Bernadino
• Palms Springs
• Riverside
• San Diego

Elder Abuse Attorney California

Peck Law Group offices are located in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and Palm Desert, California. Our attorneys serve clients in Los Angeles County, the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Riverside, Ontario, San Bernardino, San Diego, Oakland, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Riverside, Fresno, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and all other regions of California. Contact Us to speak with an elder abuse attorney today for your free case evaluation.

If you think that your loved one has suffered from elder abuse in California, call the Peck Law Group immediately. Nursing home negligence or abuse should never happen and should never be tolerated.