Elder abuse is any form of neglect by those in charge of the seniors wellbeing. For instance, in a nursing home if the elderly individual is not being changed as frequently as needed this can be considered abuse. The cleanliness of the environment the senior lives in is crucial to their health. Furthermore, if they are not being given the proper amounts of food or water while in the nursing facility this can also be seen as abuse.
Furthermore, abuse does not only occur in nursing homes. Abuse can occur in the seniors home, or be done by a family member. Often the elderly individual is afraid to speak out against family members. In addition, some seniors have even reported that they do not know where they can turn for guidance and support.
A change in behavior in a senior you know can indicate some form of abuse at home, or in their living environment. It is important to ask the senior from time to time if they are encountering any type of abuse. Abuse is not simply physical meaning it does not need to be in the form of bruises, marks, scratches, or blisters. It is also possible that the senior is encountering financial abuse by those in charge of their income and financial decisions, or emotional abuse at the hands of their caretakers.
For further information regarding elder abuse please contact Yanez & Associates. Call 714-971-8000 for your free consultation!