Elder Abuse Attorney

If you regularly visit elderly relatives in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or at their home where they receive regular medical care, it’s crucial to spot signs of abuse as soon as possible so you can end abusive situations before they escalate. Some of the signs of elder abuse include:

• Reclusiveness. An abused elder may appear withdrawn, distracted, or unsociable. This could be out of fear of the abuser, shame, or declining awareness.
• Sudden changes to medical status. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to illnesses and injuries than younger individuals, but it’s still crucial to keep close tabs on your loved one’s medical status and the status of any of his or her medical conditions. If you notice any sudden changes in your loved one’s treatment plan or medical chart, speak respectfully with his or her doctors and caregivers to find out the reasons behind these developments.
• Unexplained injuries. Inexplicable bruises, cuts, or other wounds. If you notice your loved one has wounds, make sure you find out the exact cause from his or her caregivers. If a caregiver cannot provide a reasonable explanation for your loved one’s injuries, this is a major red flag.
• Living conditions. Pay close attention to the cleanliness of your loved one’s living space. Elders often rely on caregivers for bathing and keeping clean sheets on their beds, among other things. If your loved one appears dirty or is sleeping on soiled bedding, this is serious cause for concern.
• Financial irregularities. Most elderly individuals allow a loved one such as an adult child or sibling to handle finances, or at least allow these individuals some degree of access to their finances.

Elderly individuals often rely on their loved ones and friends in these situations, so it’s up to the family members to spot the signs of abuse and take swift corrective action.