At times, elderly individuals, such as your family members, are abused by those who are supposed to provide care for them. Most of the time, there is some kind of financial burden placed on the family after the abuse has occurred. While receiving compensation for the abuse won’t take away the physical and emotional damage that it’s caused, it can bring awareness to the event and the person who has committed the act. A San Fernando elder abuse attorney can meet with you to discuss the options that you have if you suspect abuse has occurred.
Elderly individuals require gentle care and deserve this care, especially if their health and wellbeing is left in the hands of a nurse or a caregiver. In California, courts will prosecute elder abuse as a felony. Penal Code Section 368 offers various types of elder abuse that are taken into consideration that include physical, financial and emotional. Any action that puts the elder in harm’s way or causes any kind of suffering whether mental or physical is considered abuse if the person is over the age of 65.
Elder abuse will not be tolerated in the state. Contact our office to discuss the abuse that has taken place. Our office has won several cases and has won thousands of dollars for the families of the elders involved.
Examining The Elderly Population
There has been a significant growth of the elderly population in San Fernando over recent years. Over 13 percent of the population in 2014 was considered elderly or over 60 years old. Since there are larger numbers of elders in the community, then the risk of elder abuse will likely rise.
What Are The Signs?
There are signs that you can look for if you suspect that someone you love has been abused. Those who are in close contact with the elderly are those who are likely to commit the abuse, such as nurses, nursing assistants, and family members.
Physical
This is a type of abuse that is easier to spot than other types. It encompasses anything that brings about harm to the elder in a physical manner, such as hitting or improperly restraining the elder. Signs to look for include bruises, broken bones or cuts, and scratches that can’t be explained. Sexual abuse isn’t always seen until the elder shows signs of pain or comments about the abuse. Any kind of physical sign can be covered by clothing or bedding, which is why it’s important to pay attention to every aspect of the elder when you’re in the room. Mood swings are sometimes present after physical abuse.
Mental
One of the silent types of abuse impacts the mind and the emotions. Elders are often faced with threats and other mental issues that are presented to them to keep them quiet, especially if they have been abused in other ways. At times, the caregiver or someone around the elder could call the person names or make insulting remarks. Pay attention to the anxiety levels of the elder as well as any depression that might be present.
Financial
Unfortunately, financial abuse usually isn’t discovered until all the money that the elder has is gone. Financial abuse is often easier to commit with elders because they are sometimes confused and rely on the help of someone else to get their bills paid. When someone assists with the finances, it can be easy to take money or to tell the elder that more money is needed so that the person involved keeps the excess. Elders are subject to scams that include phone calls requesting money or people coming to the home requesting money.
At times, financial abuse occurs because someone entices the elder to take out a loan or sign documents that would mean losing a home, car or other types of property and money.
Neglect
When a caregiver doesn’t provide the necessary care for the elder, the abuse is considered neglect. There are a few components involved with neglect that include failure to give medications, water or food. Failure to provide assistance with dressing, bathing, and other essential tasks during the day is also considered neglect.
Reporting Elder Abuse
It’s important to make a report about elder abuse as soon as it’s seen. You can contact either the Los Angeles County Sheriff (818) 898-2773 or the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-510-2020 to make a report.
Reports of elder abuse should be directed to local law enforcement agencies. Many of these bureaus have special units that investigate elder abuse, like the San Jose District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit or the San Jose County Aging and Independence Services.
Why Do You Need An Attorney?
A San Fernando attorney can help you bring justice to your case. An experienced attorney can seek justice if the caregiver works for a facility or if there are several people involved in the abuse. After the evidence is presented, the attorney can seek the proper compensation to assist with medical treatments, special care that might be needed or to recover money that has been stolen from the elder. Contact San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys at the first sign of elder abuse, don’t let your loved one be taken advantage of, we are here to help. Call our office at (408) 217-1778 for a free consultation.