Many families and individuals trust nursing homes and caregivers to ensure someone is monitoring and maintaining the wellbeing of their elderly loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes those we trust to care for our loved ones actually abuse them.
At The Weitz Firm, LLC, our Chester County, PA elder abuse attorney has substantial experience helping victims recover compensation in these circumstances. We can do the same for you if you or your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse.
Elder abuse comes in many forms. Physical abuse is not the only manifestation of elder abuse and neglect. Other forms of elder abuse which you should be aware of include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:
Emotional abuse: Working in a nursing home or similar care facility can be a demanding job. However, this does not excuse the manner in which some employees at these facilities vent their frustrations and anger. It is sadly common for frustrated and stressed caregivers and nursing home staff members to take out their stress on residents by emotionally abusing them. This may involve saying degrading things to them, threatening to harm them, and otherwise intimidating them.
Financial abuse: Elderly people in need of the services of a caregiver often lack the cognitive abilities necessary to understand when they are being financially manipulated. In some instances, financial abuse of elderly people involves a caregiver or similar individual simply stealing directly from an elderly person without them knowing it. However, there are also instances in which caregivers and nursing home staff members may convince residents to give them money under false pretenses. Financial abuse might also involve withholding money from a nursing home resident.
Sexual abuse: Just as many elderly people in need of regular care are not able to protect themselves from financial abuse, for various reasons, they may also lack the ability to protect themselves when they have been the victims of sexual abuse.
Neglect: Caregivers and nursing home staff members do not need to directly abuse residents to technically be guilty of elder abuse. If a nursing home resident or someone being watched over by a caregiver doesn’t receive the proper attention, and their health suffers as a result, they are also a victim.
Recognizing the common signs of elder abuse is important if you have entrusted a nursing home facility or caregiver to tend to the needs of your loved one. Common signs to be on the lookout for include the following:
If you have any reason to suspect that a loved one is the victim of elder abuse, your first priority should be to remove them from the situation. You can then begin investigating the matter more thoroughly.
Discovering that a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse can be a very devastating experience. In these circumstances, it is important that you understand your legal rights. You may be able to help your loved one recover compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit.
At The Weitz Firm, LLC, a qualified Chester County elder abuse attorney is prepared to offer the representation you and your loved one deserve. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us to schedule a consultation today.
We are highly selective in the cases we undertake to ensure that can give each client his full attention. You can schedule an appointment for a personal injury consultation at our Philadelphia office by calling us, or by filling out our online intake form.