ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
According to the Administration of Aging, (AoA) elder abuse is the knowing, intentional, or negligent act by anyone that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Elder abuse can come in many forms such as abandonment, neglect, physical, financial, and emotional abuse.
There has been a rapid growth in elder abuse cases all over California, especially in major cities such as San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The United States Bureau predicts that the population of seniors in California will double within the next 20 years. It is also projected that 43% of the 65 year old and over will be living in a nursing home at some point in their lives.
With such increases in the population of older Americans, more staff and attention would be needed, in order to provide adequate care for seniors. However, it is tragic to see that many seniors still experience elder abuse in some shape or form. They become victims since they are older, more vulnerable, and needs to depend on others just to meet their basic needs.
Another issue with elder abuse is that many elder abuse cases are vastly underreported. Only 1 in 14 incidents of elder abuse in California are reported to law enforcements. Seniors whom have faced elder abuse may choose to remain quiet due to a number of reasons. Since the majority of reported elder abuse cases are committed by family members or friends, it becomes highly difficult for an elder to report the wrongdoings of their loved ones. Furthermore, elder abuse that occurs in assisted care facilities may be difficult to observe. This is because elders may be under the sole care of a particular caregiver. When the senior becomes too dependent on the caregiver, they often ignore the signs of elder abuse they may experience.
Elder abuse should not be tolerated, and for those who have experienced elder abuse in any form, should not be pressured or threatened to remain quiet.
The Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles all types of elder abuse cases. If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, contact the Evans Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation at 415-441-8669 or info@evanslaw.com. Evans Law Firm, Inc. has office locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sonoma County.
