ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Caregivers for the elderly are sometimes abusive. Doctors who work for Adult Protective Services have seen many cases of abuse and neglect. According to the 1985 Elder Abuse Prevention, Identification and Treatment Act, abuse is defined as “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental anguish, or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of goods and services which are necessary.” Evans Law Firm, Inc. has handled litigation in complicated and major caregiver fraud cases. California elder abuse attorneys are concerned about abuse of the elderly.
There are different types of elder abuse that can happen. Financial elder abuse is the improper or illegal use of the elder’s funds, assets, or property. Emotional abuse inflicts anguish, or emotional distress on the elder. Physical elder abuse happens when physical force is used that results in pain or injury. Neglect is when the caregiver fails to meet the needs of the dependent elder. Abandonment is when the caregiver deserts the elder. Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact. California elder abuse attorneys remind the public that elder abuse is a problem.
The elders that are at highest risk for abuse are age 80 and above, female, have dementia, and need help with basic daily activities. As dementia gets worse, the risk for elder abuse increases. Dementia patients with behavioral problems are at highest risk. Examples of behavior issues associated with dementia are: Hitting, spitting, wandering, and being belligerent. California elder abuse attorneys suggest that families keep a careful watch over dependent elders to avoid abuse.
Caregivers who were victims of domestic violence are more at risk to become elder abusers. Older spouses who have been caring for the dementia patient for a long time, and now have their own memory issues can also become abusers.
Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles elder abuse, financial elder abuse, physical elder abuse, annuity fraud, consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud cases. If you think that you have witnessed or are the victim of elder abuse, or financial fraud then contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at 415-441-8669 for a free and confidential consultation, or email us at info@evanslaw.com
