Types Of Elder Abuse: How An Elder Law Attorney Can Help

Our elderly beloved ones have the right to spend their golden years in comfort and respect. It might be painful and unpleasant to learn that your loved one was subjected to cruel treatment. Elder abuse is not only distressing and morally repugnant; it’s also considered criminal act. It is illegal in Florida to cause bodily or psychological injury to a senior or vulnerable adult, according to the definition of elder abuse. As a result, if your loved one was abused in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other setting, you may be able to sue and obtain compensation.

Lee law firm’ tenacious and caring elder abuse attorneys are prepared to battle for your loved one. Contact us immediately for free advice on whether you have a case of elder abuse.

Elder Abuse Types

Unfortunately, elder abuse is a widespread issue in the different States. According to the National Council on Ageing (NCOA), a single out of every 10 older people aged 60 and up has been abused or neglected. These figures may only represent the top of the iceberg. Nursing home abuse, in particular, may be considerably more widespread than current statistics indicate, according to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Individuals who rely on others for assistance with everyday duties, as well as those experiencing physical and cognitive deterioration, are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. However, elder abuse can take numerous forms, including:

Verbal And Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be harmful to a senior’s mental health and overall well-being. Carers who ignore requests, call seniors names, or humiliate them in front of others are examples of emotional abuse. Screaming or yelling at elderly, making threats, excluding seniors from activities, and preventing seniors from seeing family and other guests are examples of verbal abuse.

If your loved one develops anxiety, sadness, or withdraws from others, they may be the victim of emotional or verbal abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse refers to acts of violence or damage that cause or are intended to cause injuries. Among the several types of physical abuse are:

• Restraining a senior illegally
• Shoving or kicking a senior
• Scalding or burns cause injury

Physical abuse is easier to detect than other types of abuse since it usually leaves marks on the body. If your loved one has inexplicable injuries, significant bruises, or unexplained dislocations and fractures, you should demand that carers explain what is going on overall.

General Ignorance

A senior residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility has the right to assistance with daily life tasks. They may require assistance with personal care, medication administration, housekeeping, eating and drinking, and other duties as needed. Neglect in general can lead to major medical issues such as starvation, dehydration, and painful bedsores.

Neglecting a senior’s needs can potentially result in a premature death. If your loved one’s condition worsens abruptly and dramatically, they may be the victim of illegal neglect.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can encompass any unwelcome sexual encounter with an aged person, including:

• Rape
• Inappropriate nudity
• Inappropriate touching
• Taking sexual pictures or videos
• Unwelcome verbal advances

Individuals suffering from dementia and other illnesses may be more vulnerable to abuse because criminals may regard them as easy targets. If your loved one develops a sexually transmitted disease or you find bloody or stained pants, they may have been sexually abused.

Financial Exploitation

While financial exploitation does not physically damage a senior, it can be upsetting for the senior and their family. Examples of financial exploitation include:

• Missing funds and empty bank accounts
• Unclaimed assets
• Unpaid bills
• An unexpectedly modified final will and testament

The sooner you seek legal counsel in case you suspect that your loved one is being abused, the sooner your loved one may receive justice and restitution for their trauma.

Do You Have A Case of Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is a crime in Florida by definition. Whether your loved one was abused in a nursing home or elsewhere, you may have legal rights and may be eligible for compensation. For further information you can consult with an expert Elder Lawyer in Florida.