Elder abuse includes behavior other than physical abuse
Elder abuse impacts an average of 5 million adults every year in the U.S. Approximately 11% of all elder abuse occurs in California and is considered to be more than just physical abuse. Elder abuse also includes nursing home injuries due to mistakes or negligence, confinement, emotional abuse, deprivation, theft and sexual abuse. Passive neglect is also considered abuse when the basic necessities are not provided to the individual to ensure that they can live a happy and healthy life.
Examples of elder abuse to be aware of
There are many different examples of elder abuse, such as screaming or yelling at the patient, ignoring the patient, treating the elder like a child, blaming them or scapegoating them. More serious abuse includes extreme forms of punishment, harassment and threats to deprive the adult of their basic needs. Physically neglecting the elderly includes lack of medical care or medication, over medication, inadequate shelter, poor bathing or hygiene, a lack of supervision and abandonment.
Physical neglect can eventually lead to nursing home injuries such as pressure ulcers / bed sores, falls, infections, and other physical, mental, and psychological deterioration in the elder or disabled person. Emotional abuse includes isolating an elder from the outside world, failing to assist the elder with daily activities, ignoring their calls for help and restricting their phone calls.
Who can you contact for legal assistance?
If you believe a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, contact an attorney to seek compensation and learn about the options available. An attorney may review the evidence and details of the case and take the necessary legal action to help you or your loved ones rectify the abuse that occurred. You can also contact a legal professional for matters related to wrongful death and serious personal injury when your loved one suffers due to negligence at a nursing home.