Elder Abuse Lawyer in New Jersey
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, it is important to seek help. Informing your family, your doctor, or a friend is often a good first step. There are also organizations that help people understand their options and seek help.
Legal options may also be available, as victims of abuse may be eligible for compensation. Contact a elder abuse lawyer today for a free consultation from the Reinartz Law Firm.
Topics Covered Here:
- What is Elder Abuse
- Types of Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse Statistics
- The Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
- Reporting Elder Abuse
What is Elder Abuse
Elder abuse occurs when an older adult is the victim of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. This can also occur when a senior is exploited financially or emotionally by their caregiver. There are more than half a million reports of elder abuse in the United States every year and many more cases go unreported.
As Americans age, they become more and more dependent on their caregivers. As such, they become more susceptible to abuse and less likely to perceive it when it happens.
Elder abuse frequently occurs where the individual lives, often in nursing homes and long-term care centers.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms. Some common forms include:
Physical Elder Abuse
The use of force against an elderly person can cause physical injury resulting in pain, injuries, and impairment. The unnecessary use of restraints or confinement can constitute physical abuse.
Emotional Elder Abuse
Emotional abuse can take several different forms including:
- Intimidation or harassment
- Ignoring
- Isolation
- Terroristic threats
Sexual Elder Abuse
Non-consensual contact with an elder is considered abuse. Sexual abuse can also take the form of being forced to watch sex acts either in person or through pornographic material. Forcing an individual to undress can also be considered sexual abuse.
Elder Neglect
This occurs when a caregiver deviates from the accepted standard of care and thereby causes injury. This type of abuse is typically grounded in negligence, and does not require intentional conduct.
Financial Abuse
Older Americans are often the targets of financial scams and exploitation. This can take many forms including:
- Stealing cash
- Using the persons credit card or checks
- Identity theft
- Scams including prizes
- Forging documents
- Overcharging for services
Elder Abuse Statistics
The World Health Organization reports on elder abuse statistics:
- 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older have experienced some form of elder abuse in a community setting.
- The rate of elder abuse is high in institutions like nursing homes and long term care where 2 in 3 staff have reported elder abuse.
- The incidence of elder abuse has increased during COVID-19.
- Data suggests that the incidence of elder abuse is likely to increase as the average population ages.
The Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can often go unnoticed. Victims of physical abuse often exhibit bruising or other physical signs that can point to abuse. However, with many other forms of elder abuse, there are no outward signals that point to a problem. To make matters worse, emotional changes in seniors are often attributed to old age and not given proper consideration.
Some warnings signs include:
- Brusises or other physical ailments
- Marks from restraints
- A caregivier's reluctance to 1 on 1 visits
- Sudden emotional changes
- Suspicious financial acvitity
- Dirty living condtions
- Depression or anxiety
Signs of abuse must be taken seriously, as seniors often have a fear of retaliation from their abuser and are reluctant to come forward.
Reporting Elder Abuse
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, it is important to seek help. Informing your family, your doctor, or a friend is often a good first step. There are also organizations that help people understand their options and seek help.
Legal options may also be available, as victims of abuse may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Reinartz Law Firm - Hackensack Office
Court Plaza South - West Wing
21 Main St Suite 205,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
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