By: San Diego Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorneys Berman & Riedel, LLP
In order to properly advocate for an elderly family member, it is important to understand what constitutes elder abuse and how to recognize its warning signs. Such an understanding and familiarity will assist in making sure that a loved one is being properly cared for at an elder care facility, be it a nursing home, assisted living facility, residential care facility for the elderly or even an adult day care program. Often, elderly residents have difficulty advocating on their own behalf and it is up to well informed family members to provide assistance in guaranteeing the care their loved one deserves.
Physical elder abuse can include: physical assault, sexual assault, unreasonable physical constraint, prolonged deprivation of food or water, and inappropriate use of a physical or chemical restraint or psychotropic medication.
Elder Neglect can include: failure to assist in personal hygiene, failure to provide clothing and shelter, failure to provide medical care, failure to protect from health and safety hazards, failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration, or self neglect.
Emotional elder abuse can include: verbal assaults, threats or intimidation, subjecting an individual to fear, isolation or serious emotional distress, withholding of emotional support, or confinement.
Physical warning signs may include: uncombed or matted hair, poor skin condition or hygiene, patches of hair missing or bleeding scalp, any untreated medical condition, malnourishment or dehydration, torn or bloody clothing or undergarments, scratches, blisters, lacerations or pinch marks, unexplained bruises or welts, burns caused by scalding water, cigarettes or ropes, injuries that are incompatible with explanations, or any injuries that reflect an outline of any object, for example, a belt, cord or hand.
Behavioral warning signs may include: being withdrawn, confusion or extreme forgetfulness, depression, helplessness or anger, hesitation to talk freely, exhibiting signs of being frightened, or acting secretive.
Isolation of an elder is a sinister tool used by many abusers. Accomplished with the systematic exclusion of all real outside contact, the elder victim is eventually driven to distrust friends, doctors, and even close family members. Ultimately, the elder victim becomes a pawn—manipulated into trusting only the abuser. Signs of isolation may include the restriction of the elder’s contact with others, including family, visitors, doctors, clergy or friends, or the elder is not given the opportunity to speak freely or have contact with others without the caregiver being present.
Remember, the existence of any one or more of the warning signs listed above does not necessarily mean that abuse has occurred. Treat such incidents as signs that diligent attention or investigation is needed.
With its main offices located in San Diego, California, Berman & Riedel, LLP, is a California elder abuse and neglect law firm that handles cases throughout the entire state. The elder abuse attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, have extensive litigation experience in handling a variety of the most serious and complex elder abuse claims in California. The firm has a reputation for constantly achieving tremendous results in undertaking the handling of the most complex and serious elder abuse cases. To contact an elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP, you can contact us by e-mail or call the firm anytime at (858) 350-8855; as always, initial consultations are free of charge.
