What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse can be defined by various instances of mistreatment where an elderly individual suffers from an abusive situation due to physical harm, financial loss, neglect, emotional abuse, or abandonment.
Nearly 1,000,000 cases of elder abuse are reported in the United States per year. However, only one in five cases are properly recorded and followed up on. Have you or a family member been the subject of elder abuse or neglect. An elder abuse attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help inform you of your legal rights. Contact our New York Elder Abuse Attorney today!
Elders are protected by an area of law with statutes, regulations and decisions known as Elder Law which impacts the lives of older Americans. Elder law includes elder care planning issues, estate planning, long term care needs, planning for incapacity and other needs.
What are some forms of Elder Abuse in New York and Nationwide?
Elder abuse can be demonstrated in various ways and can have varying levels of impact on elderly individuals. It is important to document cases of abuse and report them to protect elderly individuals from elder abuse.
Some forms of abusive situations that constitute elder abuse include:
- Physical Abuse
Any physical harm or injury inflicted upon an elder by someone who is a caregiver or provides for the elder is cause for alarm. Such situations may include physical beatings, sexual assault, physical restraint and the mistreatment or lack of care of an elderly individual. It is important to be aware of any signs of physical abuse including cuts, lacerations, wounds, welts, discoloration, bruises, poor physical conditions and poor hygiene, and the absence of notable care to the elderly individual’s health and well-being. - Financial Abuse
Financial abuse includes any theft or misuse of an elder’s financial estate or property. Often, caregivers are entrusted with such financial decisions and it is important to take note of any unusual activity that may result in harming the elderly individual’s lifestyle and well-being. Some indicators of financial abuse may include unusual activity in financial funds of the elderly individual; changes or creations of wills or power of New York attorneys when an older individual may be unable to make decisions for themselves; sudden changes in financial documentation or accounts; unpaid bills of the elderly individual; missing valuables; deliberate isolation of other close individuals to the elder when making important decisions. - Neglect
Elder neglect is the failure of any person having the care or custody of an elderly individual to provide appropriate care through inattention or willful disregard. Failure to assist in maintaining an elderly individual’s hygiene, providing clothing and food, giving the appropriate medical care, and/or providing the adequate protection from other harm are examples of elder neglect. Signs of such neglect may include unkept appearances, toxic or unpleasant smells in the elderly individuals environment, rashes, bruises, sores, untreated medical conditions, malnourishment, and dehydration. - Emotional Abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse to an elder is cause for alarm when there is a intention of inflicting mental suffering to an elderly individual. An elderly individual’s state of mind may be negatively impacted by cases of verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or the isolation of an elder. Signs of emotional abuse may be evident in an elder’s behavior changes or those who show signs of depression, fear, disorientation, solitude, and avoidance of talking openly about certain situations or feelings.
What can you do if you note Elder Abuse?
It is important to be sensitive to issues of elder abuse. Those who care for elderly individuals should be aware of the physical or emotional signs that may indicate elder abuse. In order to know your legal rights in New York or another state, consult with our New York Elder Abuse Attorney in order to learn more about how to protect the health and well-being of those elderly individuals you care for.
Cases of abuse should always be reported with clear examples and documentation if able to provide. Photographs of unhealthy living situations or evidence of abuse, police reports, and records of any kind can help in the legal action or recourse against those who inflict abuse to elderly individuals.
Have you, a friend or a loved one been affected by Elder Abuse?
If you, a family member or a friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition due to elder abuse or negligence, please contact the New York Elder Abuse Attorney of Finz & Finz, P.C. today at (888) FINZ-FIRM to speak with our experienced elder abuse attorney now or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on the right of this page.
