Many of us may not be aware of elder abuse and how serious of a problem it is. Due to the fact that many incidents of this form of abuse go unreported to the police, it is difficult to estimate the precise number of elderly victims. However, it's believed that hundreds of thousands of adults in the US over the age of 60 have experienced abuse and mistreatment.

There's no guarantee you can completely stop elder abuse from happening, you can better protect your loved ones if you are aware of things to look for and what you can do to stop them.

The National Council on Aging estimates that one in ten Americans who are 60 and older have been victims of elder abuse. According to one report, only one out of every 24 instances of abuse is reported to the police. We all expect that a loved one receiving care at a nursing home would be treated with respect and compassion and will receive the necessary medical attention. Sometimes that doesn't happen and it's unacceptable.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can help you hold those responsible for nursing home abuse liable. Our attorneys have represented clients like yourself and are here if you are in need.

Types of Elder Abuse 

Physical abuse and neglect

Nursing homes with insufficient employees have a higher risk of neglect and elder abuse. The presence of discomfort, unpleasant smells, bruising, or weight loss in your loved one could indicate nursing home mistreatment. These symptoms can indicate a fall or that the person wasn't being properly attended to. One example of intentional abuse or neglect could be if a resident loses weight due to starvation or has kidney or UTI problems as a result of dehydration.

Sexual abuse

Sadly, those in long-term care facilities are most likely to be sexually abused, especially if they suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or another impairment that prohibits the old person from consenting to sexual contact. A resident of the nursing home could be the abuser, as with any form of elder abuse. However, the nursing home has a responsibility to ensure the safety of every person and owes a duty of care to them. If you notice this in a loved one, you should be concerned about panic episodes, difficulties standing or sitting, and any pelvic injuries. 

Financial abuse

Theft from a resident's room, pressure to alter a senior's will, tricking them into signing a financial contract, or identity theft are all examples of financial abuse. Talk to the nursing home administration right away if you see any strange financial activity, fluctuating bank accounts, or new collections or invoices. A staff member, sadly another family member or close friend, could commit financial abuse.

Best Ways to Prevent Elder Abuse

You should take the necessary precautions to protect your elderly loved one from various types of abuse, especially when they are the most vulnerable. Below are some actions you may take to safeguard your loved one against elder abuse:

• Visit regularly. If your elderly loved one lives in a nursing home or senior living facility, you should visit them as often as you can. Elder abuse can be avoided by building a solid support structure for your loved one. Spending time with them also makes them feel secure and provides them the courage to inform you about prospective abusers.

• Make sure they have access to social activities. They are more likely to experience depression and sadness if they are alone too much, which can eventually raise their risk of abuse.

• Ensure they are aware of the various forms of abuse. It is crucial that individuals pay attention to the care and treatment they get, particularly in nursing homes.

• Assist them in drafting an irrevocable trust as well as other important estate planning papers. Additionally, these estate planning tools are important in preventing financial exploitation. It will be a powerful approach to guarantee that the beneficiaries and wishes of your loved one are unchangeable.

Call a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse

When a elderly client is abused, the legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is committed to assisting them in getting the justice they deserve and proving negligence. Our team of nursing home abuse attorneys have experience in helping clients in various types of nursing home abuse.

Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled NY elder abuse attorneys. There is no obligation to retain our services or pay us upfront. We are only paid if we win your case.