What is Elder abuse-its types and signs by Sacramento Elder Abuse Lawyer - York

1. What is Elder Abuse? Its types and signs

2. What Is Elder Abuse? • Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver (including nursing homes and assisted living facilities) or a person who causes the elder harm or exposes the elder to a serious risk of harm.  Abuse may be: • Physical abuse • Emotional abuse • Sexual abuse • Neglect/Abandonment byCaregivers • Financial or Exploitative Abuse – Financial or exploitative abuse is the illegal taking of the elderly person’s funds or property. • Healthcare Fraud and Abuse – Professional care providers can commit healthcare fraud by not providing proper healthcare but charging for it, overcharging or double billing the patient, over or under medicating the patient, etc.

3. Classic Signs And Injuries Of Elder Abuse And Nursing Home Neglect All too often, elders in nursing homes are experiencing some form of neglect or abuse.  Abuse of any kind is both morally reprehensible and illegal.  Both Federal and State laws were enacted to prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.  There are six Classic Signs and Injuries of Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect. Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is the use of force against an elderly person that results in the infliction of physical pain or impairment upon the elder.  Aside from common forms of physical abuse such as hitting or beating the patient, it can also include giving the patient too much medication or depriving the patient of essential and basic needs such as food.

4. Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse can be achieved in two ways: verbal or nonverbal.  Verbal emotional abuse is when the caregiver speaks to an elderly in a demoralizing manner which causes the elder emotional distress. Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is nonconsensual contact of any kind with an elder, including, but not limited to, showing the elder pornographic images, forcing the elder to perform sexual acts, rape, forcing the elder to undress, etc. Neglect/Abandonment of Caregivers: In general, elder neglect is when the caregiver fails to fulfill her obligation to care for the elder.  Neglect usually includes failing to provide the elder basic life necessities or services, such as food, shelter, healthcare, nursing services or protection. Healthcare Fraud and Abuse: Professional care providers can commit healthcare fraud by not providing proper healthcare but charging for it, overcharging or double billing the patient, or over or under medicating the patient. Financial or Exploitative Abuse: – Financial or exploitative abuse is the illegal taking of the elderly person’s funds or property.  This typically occurs when a relative, friend, or caregiver gains the elder’s trust for the purpose of having the elder transfer his or her savings to the relative, friend, or caregiver. 

5. What Are Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse? • Although any one sign does not necessarily mean an elder is being abused, there are some warning signs which may indicate neglect or abuse.  They are: • Bruises, burns, abrasions, pressure marks, broken bones, neglect, or mistreatment • Bruises around the breast or genital area resulting from sexual abuse • Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden and unexplained change in disposition and depression can indicate emotional abuse. • A sudden unexplained change in financial situation resulting from exploitation • Bed sores, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss and unattended medical needs may indicate neglect • Dehydration • Fractures from falls • Overmedication

6. Who Can Sue For Elder Abuse Or Neglect? Nursing home and assisted living facility abuse and neglect is a form of abuse known as “elder abuse.” The term seemingly only applies to elders, but it actually applies to both elders and dependent adults. Elders are any individuals 65 years or older. Dependent adults are any persons between the ages of 16 and 64 who have physical or mental limitations that restrict his or her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his or her own rights. “Dependent adults” also apply to individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 who are admitted into a 24 hour health care facility. Therefore, any person who is considered either an elder or dependent adult who is abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility can bring a claim for the abuse. Of course, family members can file a claim on behalf of the elder or dependent adult.

7. Contact us for a FREE elder abuse case consultation today! 800-939-1832 info@yorklawcorp.com www.yorklawcorp.com