Elder abuse is never excusable. Whether your loved one has been neglected in a nursing home or financially abused by a live-in caregiver, those who take advantage of the elderly deserve to be held accountable for their actions.

At Legal One Law Group, APC our Glendale elder abuse attorneys can help you hold to responsible party accountable as well as receive compensation that will allow you to seek a better elder care option for your loved one.

  Our family-run law firm is here for you and your family.  Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced elder abuse lawyer.

How Can You Prevent Elder Abuse?

Possibly the most important facet of the epidemic of elder abuse in America is the fact that, even with stunningly high numbers of cases, the vast majority of incidences don’t even get reported.

As previously mentioned, there is much shame and fear associated with being abused, which prevents people from admitting it happened to them. Some elders may not even realize they have been abused.

To best protect your loved one:

• Regularly check up on and talk with your relative in elder care and ask about their health and well-being
• Watch for warning signs that might indicate elder abuse
• Signs of elder abuse include mood or behavioral changes, being withdrawn, poor hygiene, unexplained bruises and other injuries, and bed sores
• Ask to look over your loved one’s bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized or suspicious transactions
• Call and visit as often as you can, which will help the elder feel safe confiding in you
• If you suspect elder abuse, say something—talk to a senior manager if you can and/or report the abuse to Adult Protective Services

Elder Abuse Statistics

According to some estimates, there are as many as six million cases of abuse in the United States every year, many of which take place in Los Angeles County. The exact amount is almost impossible to estimate, however.

This is because studies suggest that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported to the authorities due to:

• Shame
• Fear
• Embarrassment
• Or a simple lack of awareness that abuse has even occurred

The latter is common among scam victims and individuals who suffer from conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Fortunately, California law protects elders (defined as individuals 65 and over) and other dependent and/or disabled adults from many types of abuse and neglect under California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15600.

Still, it is important to watch out for abuse if you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home or if they have their own caregiver. Sadly, this should be done regardless of whether the people or individual caring for your elderly relative are related to them or not—most incidences of elder abuse are perpetrated by relatives, not strangers.

Types of Elder Abuse

The main forms of elder abuse are divided into five categories:

Neglect

If your elderly loved one is being ignored by their caregiver, they may be suffering from neglect. Failure to assist in personal hygiene or to provide food, clothing, shelter, or other needs that the elder cannot fulfill for themselves likely fall under this category.

Financial Abuse

This includes scams, theft, and other ploys to take money from an elderly individual without their knowledge or consent. Financial abuse is the most common type of elder abuse.

Physical Abuse

Pain and injury inflicted on an elderly adult without their consent.

Sexual Abuse

Non-consensual touching, fondling, intercourse, or any other sexual activity with an older adult, usually done through threats or coercion.

Emotional/Verbal Abuse

Harassment, intimidation, degradation, threats of abuse, and other hurtful forms of verbal and emotional abuse.

What To Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in any way, act quickly. The sooner you can assess the situation and get them to safety, the better.

Actions you can take include:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger
• Report the abuse to your local Adult Protective Services (APS)
• Move your loved one to a safe place
• Contact an experienced elder abuse attorney

Call Legal One Law Group, APC for Compassionate Representation

We are standing by to hear your case and fight for you and your elderly loved one should legal action be required. Our legal team takes elder abuse very seriously and will not hesitate to get your loved one the compassionate care they deserve.