CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Elder Abuse

Protecting the Vulnerable: Understanding Elder Abuse and How an Elder Abuse Attorney Can Help

As individuals enter their later years, they become increasingly vulnerable to a number of physical and medical problems. They may no longer be able to care for themselves or manage their own financial affairs, making them an easy target for unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include family members. Elder abuse has become a growing problem, resulting in an increased need for an attorney to protect the elder’s physical and emotional well-being, as well as their material interests.

Defining Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can be defined as any intentional act, or failure to act, that creates a risk of harm to an older adult who has an expectation of trust and care from the individual. Incidents of abuse can fall into several categories:

– Physical abuse that causes pain, distress, or physical impairment
– Sexual abuse that causes forced or unwanted sexual interaction
– Psychological or emotional abuse that inflicts fear, distress, or mental pain, such as name-calling or threats
– Neglect that fails to provide adequate physical care or protect the elder from harm
– Financial exploitation or abuse that involves unauthorized or improper use of financial assets by someone in a position of trust regarding these assets

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Due to the fact that an elder is likely to suffer in silence, afraid to upset their current situation, it is up to family members or friends to be alert to signs that the elder is not receiving appropriate treatment. Watch for:

– Unusual bruising, unexplained broken bones, abrasions, burns, or pressure marks
– Bruising on breasts or genitals from sexual abuse
– Unattended medical needs, neglect of grooming, weight loss, bedsores, or poor hygiene
– Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities and interests, increased depression
– Sudden financial problems
– Signs of tension or strain between the caregiver and the elder.
– Incidents of belittling, threats, or other types of controlling behavior

Prosecuting Elder Abuse

One of the problems of prosecuting individuals who have harmed the elderly is the inconsistency in the definitions of the abuse. In addition, monitoring of the situation over a period of time is often the only way to determine if an elder has been subjected to abuse of some kind, and this can be difficult when cases are not referred to eldercare health agencies. In many cases, the abuser is a family member, and others may be reluctant to report the problem to appropriate agencies or law enforcement. However, reporting suspected abuse is critical to ensuring that seniors receive the proper care and respect they deserve.

How an Elder Abuse Attorney Can Help

An elder abuse attorney can provide the legal advice and assistance needed to prosecute cases of physical or sexual abuse, ensuring that the elder receives appropriate justice and compensation. In addition, an attorney can help to recover financial assets that have been taken unlawfully by abusive parties. They can also provide education and assistance in recognizing and reporting elder abuse, as well as helping to establish safeguards to prevent future abuse.

Protecting the Elderly and Holding Abusers Accountable

It is important to recognize the signs of elder abuse and protect our senior citizens from the potential physical, emotional, and financial devastation that can be caused by abusive parties. Reporting suspected abuse and seeking the assistance of an experienced elder abuse attorney can help protect the vulnerable and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

Sources:
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Elder Abuse: Definitions
– Administration on Aging: Elders & Families/ Elder Abuse/ What Is Elder Abuse?
– The State Bar of California: Elder Abuse and Neglect