ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Communities Alerted To Potential Abuse Of Older Adults
Elder Abuse Can Happen To Any Senior
Financial Exploitation, Neglect And Emotional, Physical and Sexual Abuse
Law enforcement agencies report that elder abuse in order of prevalence includes financial exploitation, emotional abuse, passive neglect, self-neglect, physical abuse, willful deprivation, confinement and sexual abuse. Those same agencies observe that elder abuse can happen to any senior: man or woman, rich or poor, married or single, at home or in an institution. The elder abuse litigators at Evans Law Firm, Inc. represent seniors throughout California who are victims of any kind of financial or physical elder abuse. If you suspect any kind of abuse of an older loved one, call our elder abuse lawyers at (415)441-8669 and we can help.
While all Americans are at risk of elder abuse at some point in their old age, statistics show that elder abuse is more common for elderly women. People with underlying mental impairments are also at elevated risk. But other circumstances increase the risk of elder abuse as well. Additional risk factors include:
• Being socially isolated
• Requiring assistance – either physical or financial
• Being cared for by a person who abuses drugs or alcohol
Watching for Abuse and Neglect of Institutionalized Seniors
Families may be concerned about abuse of a loved one in an assisted living facility or nursing home as well. One geriatric physician points out a few signs that could indicate physical abuse: “Unintentional weight loss could be a sign deprivation of nutrition. Unexplained dehydration, especially if they do not have a medical condition that causes it. Pressure sores usually happen if you are sitting or lying in place for long periods of time. If you are around caregivers, that ideally should not happen. Any signs that don’t make sense. Because abuse is so rampant, you have to keep a high level of awareness to identify those who are being abused.”
Whenever you suspect abuse, report it to the authorities but also contact elder abuse counsel immediately. Abusers act quickly and rarely stop voluntarily if they are financially or physically abusing an older person. If you suspect abuse of any kind, call us.
Contact Us
Ingrid M. Evans and the other elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm, Inc. represent families and victims of elder abuse throughout the State of California. For a consultation call our elder abuse litigators at (415) 441-8669, or by email at info@evanslaw.com.
