ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Increased Isolation Results In Greater Vulnerability
Authorities Report Huge Rise In Elder Abuse Cases
Facing The Realities Of The New Normal
Throughout the world, COVID-19 has struck seniors hardest and nations and elder care institutions have imposed drastic lockdown measures to protect older persons. But the hidden danger in that enforced isolation is the simultaneous increase in the risk that isolated seniors more readily fall prey to financial and physical elder abuse than non-isolated seniors. Some officials around the world report as much as 100% increases in the number of reported elder abuse cases. As one official put it the “huge jump” in elder abuse cases may be attributed to the physical and financial stresses brought about by COVID-19.
In these difficult times, the families of older persons need to be particularly vigilant and reach out for counsel at their first suspicions of elder abuse. 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. We too have seen an increase in the incidents of elder abuse since the pandemic began. Whenever you suspect any kind of abuse of an older loved one, call our elder abuse lawyers at (415)441-8669 and we can help. Our attorneys know how to investigate these cases and pursue in civil litigation all the relief and remedies the law affords seniors including awards of attorneys’ fees and costs.
Understand The Perils Of Isolation Of The Elderly
A common thread in elder abuse cases is isolation of the injured senior. The problem of isolation is not confined to seniors who live alone. Older persons can be isolated by the very persons entrusted to care for them whether as in-home caregivers or nursing home staffs. In-home caregivers create isolated environments for their patients by screening calls, sifting through mail, turning friends away who come to visit, and keeping their older ward literally locked up inside as much as possible. Facility staffs may isolate patients by ignoring their pleas, keeping them out of it with sedatives, and prohibiting visitors. Isolation, however contrived, may lead to intentional abuse, neglect or abandonment. Families need to stay in contact with older loved ones as best (and frequently) as they can so their loved ones do not fall victim to another danger stalking older persons during the pandemic – elder abuse.
Contact Us
During the pandemic be especially vigilant in checking in with older loved ones and if you suspect any kind of abuse at all, call Ingrid M. Evans and the other elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669, or by email at info@evanslaw.com. Our litigators fight for seniors every day, and will pursue justice for injured older persons against all those responsible.
