Best Way to Catch Elder Abuse in Senior Care Facilities

Monday, November 4, 2024

Best Way to Catch Elder Abuse in Senior Care Facilities

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

There has been widespread concern about the quality of health care in America, including that of elders living in nursing homes and senior care facilities. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), as many as one in three nursing homes were cited for violations between 1999 and 2001. These facilities did not meet the federal standards for safety or caused actual harm and injury to residents. When a family chooses to put an aging loved one in a senior care facility, they expect a certain level of quality and a guarantee that the person will be treated well. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and it may be necessary to seek help from a qualified personal injury lawyer.

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can come in many forms: physical, mental, and financial. When a facility is short-staffed, the nurses and caregivers can be motivated to move more quickly or pay less attention to detail. An elder may be bruised, scratched, or otherwise hurt due to rough handling. He or she may also be neglected by not getting the amount of attention that is necessary for their health conditions. Most abuse is unintentional, but that does not mean there is no cause for concern.

Mental abuse can be more difficult to ascertain. The elderly may become depressed, sleeping more and eating less. Because these symptoms are not uncommon with aging and declining activity levels, it is easy to overlook as a natural progression. However, if there is a sudden change in behavior, this is worth investigating.

Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a serious and widespread issue that affects many seniors, particularly those in nursing homes or under the supervision of caregivers. It can take many forms, from physical harm to emotional mistreatment and financial exploitation. Recognizing the signs early is crucial to protecting your loved ones and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

How can you recognize elder abuse? Understanding the different types of abuse and their warning signs is the first step. Elder abuse can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of red flags:

  • Physical Abuse: This type involves any form of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, or improper use of restraints. Common signs include unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or frequent trips to the hospital for unexplained injuries. Additionally, watch for seniors who seem unusually fearful or anxious around certain caregivers or display sudden changes in physical health.
  • Emotional Abuse: This occurs when a senior is subjected to verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation. Look for signs like withdrawal from social activities, mood swings, depression, or a general sense of fear. Emotional abuse can be hard to detect, but noticeable changes in a senior’s behavior or communication patterns often point to mistreatment.
  • Neglect: Neglect happens when a caregiver fails to provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, hygiene, or medical care. Signs of neglect include weight loss, dehydration, poor hygiene, bedsores, or unsanitary living conditions. Neglect can be just as harmful as physical abuse and can lead to serious health issues if left unaddressed.
  • Financial Abuse: Financial exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s funds or assets. Signs to watch for include sudden changes in financial habits, missing valuables, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or seniors being coerced into economic decisions. Often, seniors may express confusion or discomfort when discussing their finances, which could indicate they are being manipulated.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) highlights that many elder abuse cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or reluctance on the part of the victim. This makes it essential for family members and friends to remain vigilant, especially if they notice any of these warning signs. For a deeper understanding of the different types of elder abuse and how to spot them, you can visit the NIA’s elder abuse resource page here.

Please read Elder Abuse Laws in Illinois

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Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN
Founding Attorney

Prevent Elder Abuse

Preventing elder abuse is a shared responsibility that requires involvement from families, caregivers, and communities. What can you do to help prevent elder abuse? Here are five proactive strategies to help protect your loved ones from abuse:

1. Learn the Signs

Education is one of the most effective ways to prevent elder abuse. Understanding the different forms of abuse and recognizing the early warning signs will help you intervene before the situation worsens. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial abuse, awareness is key to protection. Knowing local resources, like advocacy groups or attorneys who specialize in elder law, can help you act swiftly if needed.

2. Prevent Isolation

Seniors who are socially isolated are at greater risk for abuse. Regularly check in on your loved ones through visits, phone calls, or video chats. Isolation gives abusers more control over the elderly, making them more vulnerable. By maintaining regular contact, you can observe any unusual changes in behavior or appearance that might indicate something is wrong.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), seniors with strong social connections are less likely to experience abuse, as caregivers know their actions are being monitored. By building a support network for your elderly loved ones, you can significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to abuse. For more information, visit the APA’s elder abuse page here.

3. Provide Information and Empowerment

Equip your loved ones with the information they need to recognize and report abuse. All individuals should be aware of their rights and feel empowered to speak up if they suspect mistreatment, especially as they grow older. By discussing the signs of abuse and providing access to local resources, such as elder abuse hotlines and legal services, you can help protect your loved ones.

In addition to educating seniors, it’s also important to ensure that caregivers receive proper training on how to respect and care for elderly individuals. Many community programs offer workshops that focus on elder abuse prevention, which can be beneficial for caregivers who may not be fully aware of what constitutes mistreatment.

4. Be a Friend and Advocate

The simple act of being there can make a big difference. A senior who knows they have someone to turn to is less likely to be victimized. Regular communication helps deter abusive caregivers, as they know their actions may be reported. Seniors are also more likely to open up about their concerns if they feel supported by a close friend or family member.

Involving yourself in your loved one’s care also allows you to monitor their physical and emotional health. If you notice any signs of abuse, you’ll be in a better position to address the issue before it escalates.

5. Spread the Message

Raising awareness about elder abuse is key to preventing it. Talk to family, friends, and caregivers about the importance of recognizing and stopping elder abuse. By sharing knowledge, you create a community that is more likely to report abuse and hold caregivers accountable.

You can also participate in community outreach efforts or support abuse awareness campaigns. For more resources, you can visit Safe Senior Care to learn about different ways to recognize and prevent elder abuse here.

Reporting Elder Abuse in Illinois

How to report elder abuse

Choosing an Elder Abuse Lawyer

When elder abuse is suspected, it is essential to remove the person from that situation as soon as possible. Contact an elder abuse lawyer to talk about your loved one’s rights and your options. If a senior care facility is not doing its duty, your relative has the right to move to where he or she can receive appropriate care. Sometimes, the worst happens, and an elder passes away due to inadequate care. In this circumstance, the family may be entitled to reparations. An elder abuse lawyer can help guide you through this difficult time.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Justia Profile: Steve Malman
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by President and Founder, Steven J. Malman who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.

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