Elder abuse is a topic that is hardly spoken about, yet it occurs in various forms, some more apparent than others. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person by various means. An older person can be abused by a friend, relative, spouse, caregiver, and even a stranger. In the year 1987, elder abuse was identified in three different categories by the Amendment to the Older Americans Act. Each of these categories brings a different form of abuse and can be committed by a different person.
Elder abuse is a serious topic that needs more understanding and information. Many people do not know how to recognize signs of abuse because they have no knowledge of it. Being vigilant of physical, behavioral, and emotional changes in the elder person can indicate that something is not right. Abuse of the elderly can cause them intense physical and emotional pain because they are already a vulnerable population. Tampa Elder abuse lawyers are fierce when faced with elder abuse cases in holding those malicious individuals accountable for the personal injury that they have caused the elder person.
Abuse towards the elderly can take place in various locations, including nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, in their own homes, at a family members house, among other places. An elder person should never be left alone unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then, they should always have an entrusted person checking up on them and making sure there are no signs that abuse is taking place.
Classifications of Elder Abuse
Below will be a list of the three classifications of elder abuse according to the Older Americans Act:
Self-Neglect: Self-neglect happens when an elder person does not take care of themselves and neglects their basic needs like adequate food and water, proper hygiene, medicine, sanitary conditions, safety measures, and shelter. Self-neglect can threaten the elder person’s health and safety. Anyone who sees an elder person self-neglecting must immediately report it to some indicated authority or personnel.
Elder abuse committed domestically: Domestic abuse occurs through a more personal level. It is often committed by individuals that should be loving and caring towards the elder person like a family member, significant other, close friend, or a paid companion. Domestic abuse can happen within the victim’s home or in the caregiver’s home.
Elder abuse committed institutionally: Institutional abuse takes place in a residential home like a foster home, nursing home, assisted-living facility, and hospital, just to name a few. Institutions have a duty of care towards all of their patients/residents through financial or contractual obligations which are sometimes not fulfilled.
Contact an Elder Abuse Legal Counsel
Vigilance and education should be practiced by the loved ones of the elder person due to the many ways in which their loved one can be subjected to an elder abuse. Percy Martinez and his highly trained Miami personal injury lawyers know how much of an impact a victim of abuse can suffer, along with their family. The firm wants to help these victims and hold the malicious party accountable for their actions.
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Updated 8/2/2017