Elder care abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects thousands of families every year. In fact, it is estimated that over 10% of adults 65 and over experience a form of elder abuse each year. Whether in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or even at home, abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, or financial.
Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference. If you suspect elder neglect, contact an experienced elder care abuse attorney today.
Understanding Elder Care Abuse
Elder care abuse is any action, or lack of action, that harms an older adult. This could mean physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or neglecting their medical needs.
- Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, or causing injury.
- Emotional abuse: Threats, intimidation, or isolation.
- Financial exploitation: Stealing money, fraud, or taking advantage of assets.
- Neglect: Not providing proper food, hygiene, or medical care.
Sign 1: Unexplained Injuries or Bruises
If your loved one shows bruises, cuts, fractures, or repeated injuries that make no sense, that’s a major warning sign. Caregivers should be transparent about accidents, if they’re not, something may be wrong.
Victims may become jumpy, fearful, or anxious around certain staff members. Elderly abuse attorneys can help investigate the situation and hold the abuser accountable.
Sign 2: Sudden Changes in Behavior
If your loved one becomes unusually quiet, scared, or nervous around caregivers, take it seriously. These emotional shifts often point to mistreatment behind closed doors.
Maybe they stop talking like they used to, or seem afraid to share what’s happening. A nursing home abuse lawyer knows how to spot these signs and get the truth.
Sign 3: Poor Hygiene and Unkempt Appearance
Hygiene goes beyond looking clean. It affects someone’s health, dignity, and self-esteem. Dirty clothing, messy rooms, strong odors, dehydration, or weight loss are major red flags. Care facilities have a legal duty to provide basic care, and when they don’t, it’s neglect.
Sign 4: Unusual Financial Activity
Unfortunately, financial abuse is shockingly common. A few signs to watch for are:
- Strange withdrawals
- Missing money or valuables
- Sudden changes in wills
- Unpaid bills despite financial stability
Elder abuse attorneys can investigate suspicious activity, recover stolen funds, and stop someone from draining your loved one’s assets.
Sign 5: Lack of Proper Medical Care
If medications are skipped, illnesses go untreated, or your loved one’s condition suddenly declines, medical neglect may be happening.
Our legal team can force the facility to take responsibility, pursue compensation for harm caused, and ensure your loved one receives proper medical attention going forward.
When to Contact an Elder Abuse Lawyer
Elder abuse is never acceptable. When you see bruises, behavior changes, financial red flags, neglect, or medical issues being ignored, it’s time to act.
If you’re seeing any of these signs, even if you’re just suspicious, trust your instincts. Abuse often happens gradually, under the radar. Pursuing legal help early can protect your loved one before the situation gets worse.
Don’t wait. Contact Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today. Our elder abuse attorneys are ready to protect your loved one and fight for the justice they deserve.
