3 Questions Answered About Elder Abuse

28 July 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

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If you have an older person in your life that is currently receiving care from a nursing facility, you may want to monitor this individual routinely. As sad as it sounds, there is a possibility of elder abuse occurring in many nursing homes. Studies indicate that over 551,000 people over the age of 60 were abused annually. This can cause you some concern, and it's ideal to get some of your questions answered about elder abuse.

Question #1: What is Elder Abuse? 

This is when there is any type of harm done to a nursing home patient intentionally by a caregiver there. Elder abuse can vary in severity, but may include hitting, cutting, or using a variety of other methods to intentionally cause pain to a patient.

Question #2: What types of abuse occur most frequently?

It's a good idea to be aware of the types of abuse that occur most often in these facilities. This can enable you to look for specific warning signs when it comes to an individual you love.

Listed below are some of the more common elder abuse types:

  1. Physical – This could involve slapping, scratching, or causing bruises to occur on your loved one intentionally.
  2. Financial – Taking money from various accounts or having the patient make property changes.
  3. Sexual – Having sexual intimacy with a patient at any time during the nursing home stay.
  4. Emotional – Saying things that are mean and harmful to the patient's mentality regularly.

Question #3: What are Common Causes of Elder Abuse?

One thing you will want to know is what the common reasons that elder abuse occurs are. This can enable you to know the proper legal action to take for optimal results.

Listed below are some typical causes of this abuse:

  1. Improper training – The failure of the nursing home to train new employees on caring for patients.
  2. Negligent hiring – When the nursing facility doesn't correctly follow the rules and regulations that are necessary during the hiring process.
  3. Understaffing – Not having enough caregivers in the facility to properly care for the patients.

Taking the time to visit your loved ones in a nursing home is one of the best ways for you to spot and stop elder abuse. Be sure to consult with a personal injury attorney in your area if this is found for the best possible legal advice on what to do to get justice served.