Signs & Symptoms of Elder Abuse & Neglect

Elder abuse is defined as any mistreatment of an elderly person by someone who is known by the senior. Sadly, elderly abuse happens everywhere and occurs in poor, middle class and upper-income households as well. Since the family members or close friends of the elderly person are often the ones responsible for the abuse or neglect, the elderly person can easily feel trapped and hopeless. It is up to you to investigate any suspicions of elderly abuse.

It is estimated that over 5 million cases of elderly abuse occur in the United States each and every year. Your elder family member may be reluctant to voice the elder abuse he or she faces, therefore you will need to keep eyes and ears open of signs of neglect:

Visible Injuries
You will be able to observe these right away. Examples are broken bones, cuts, scars and bedsores. It is vital to ask questions of all available personnel and document their statements. Questioning the resident, the attending nurse, staff supervisor and attending physician. Insist on inspecting the medical chart. When you have difficulties, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of a legal professional.

Neglect-Related Injuries
These injuries are more subtle and are less visible. They include malnutrition, dehydration, insufficient exercise and failure to attend to adequate hygiene. Do your own inspection of the premises for cleanliness, check for odors and observe the cleanliness of your family member's hair and nails. If these are not up to the standards you expected to receive, it is better to act immediately than to wait for your loved one to develop serious illness or infection.

Emotional Change
Pay attention to how your friend or relative responds to you. For instance, does he or she seem depressed? Is he or she less talkative than on earlier visits? Do you observe any weight loss? These are less tangible indicators of abuse, but they should alert you to take action and investigate.

Financial Elder Abuse
If you observe unusual or inappropriate banking activity, or a sudden refusal to make financial decisions or pay bills without consulting another person, lost valuables or fraudulent signatures on documents, be wary of financial abuse of your loved one. When you need assistance, we will help. Thousands of elderly Americans are abused each year in nursing homes and other facilities responsible for their care. A recent study found violations at 94% of nursing homes in the U.S.

Elder Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles

Norman Taylor & Associates are dedicated to holding accountable unscrupulous caregivers who abuse elder men and women in Los Angeles. Once your parent or grandparent or other beloved family member becomes a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility, you will want to make sure that he or she is getting the care you were promised and that your family member deserves. A Los Angeles elder abuse attorney from our firm is an advocate for elder rights and fights for justice in cases of abuse or neglect.