The nationwide statistics regarding elder abuse are extremely unsettling. According to the United States Department of Justice, about 10% of U.S. citizens over the age of 60 will suffer from a form of elder abuse each year.
Many older Americans suffer from more than one form of abuse. Such mistreatment endangers their lives, their health, their dignity and their financial security.
What are the types of elder abuse?
Elder abuse isn’t always what you might expect. In fact, elder abuse can take the following forms:
- Physical abuse
- Caregiver neglect
- Psychological abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Sexual abuse
Our older loved ones are typically vulnerable to abuse in all its forms. Even worse, they often do not want to report the abuse. Three common reasons for this include:
- Fear of retaliation
- Shame or embarrassment
- Not wanting to be a burden
Elder abuse takes a costly toll on senior citizens and their families. In many cases, the victim begins to experience depression and anxiety. Reports also indicate that these elders begin to suffer deteriorating health in general. Family members also suffer because they worry about the changes they see in their older loved ones. Once they find out about any abuse, they typically experience grief and even guilt for “letting it happen” to someone they love.
What can you do to stop and prevent elder abuse?
Check up on your elder family member frequently and unexpectedly if they reside in a Charlotte, North Carolina nursing facility. Look for signs of physical abuse and emotional abuse. You should also review your elders’ financial accounts often to make sure their money is in order.
You should report any form of elder abuse to the proper authorities as well. If you have concerns about making this report alone, an injury attorney can help you make your report while also protecting your and your elder’s rights.
We understand how hard it is to contemplate abuse against your aging family member. However, if you catch it early enough and pursue a legal remedy, you can help your elder return to a happy and healthy way of life. Please continue reviewing our website content to learn more about elder abuse in a private residence or a nursing home.
