The Remaining 4 Types of Elder Abuse and Their Signs
Elder abuse is an unfortunate circumstance that should be taken seriously by everyone, not just the afflicted. There are seven different types of elder abuse according to the National Center on Elder Abuse and each one can be equally traumatizing to the victim and their families. The common types of elder abuse that have been previously discussed are physical, emotional, and elderly neglect.
Knowing the common types of abuse is important but it is vital to know all types and what to look for.
Sexual Abuse
It’s can be uncomfortable to talk about sexual abuse at any stage in a person’s life but it’s essential to understand that it is a very real problem. Sexual abuse of an elderly is considered non-consensual contact of any form with the elderly. Signs of sexual abuse of an elderly are similar to those of other demographics such as bruising, bleeding, and defensiveness around their body or undressing. However, if an elderly person states that they are being sexually abused, then this should be taken as a legitimate concern. Contacting elderly neglect and abuse lawyers can help you get your loved one out of that situation.
Abandonment
Abandonment of an elder is when someone who is responsible for that person, such as a caretaker, knowingly deserts them. Those who have custody of and responsibility for the wellbeing of an elderly are expected to care for them at all times. Abandonment can take the form of deserting an elderly during an excursion, at a nursing home itself, or any other place that the elderly is not familiar.
Financial Abuse
Simply put, financial abuse of an elder is the unlawful use of their finances, assets, or property. Forms of financial abuse could be something such as forging their signature or taking money from their purse or wallet. It’s imperative to pay attention to your loved one’s financial statements and look for any irregularities, such as a withdrawal of large sums or the addition of the caregiver’s name to accounts.
Self-Neglect
Self-neglect of an elder refers to instances where the elder behaves in such a way that it threatens their safety or health. This doesn’t include situations where the elder makes voluntary and competent decisions that result in the same behavior.
Over two million cases of elder abuse are reported each year in the United States, including elderly neglect. Moreover, these situations can take place in an institution responsible for the elder. It’s important to reach out to an elder abuse lawyer who can help keep your loved one safe and fight for any compensation they deserve.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or any other type of elder abuse, give us a call today. We’re the elder abuse attorneys that San Diego can rely on.
