Warning Signs of Elder Neglect

You and your family searched for the best care center for your elderly parent. You asked all the right questions and checked the facility's credibility and reputation. You saw it for yourself and talked to other residents. You did all the right things; but how do you know for sure that your loved one is being treated with the care and dignity they deserve?

The good news is most care facilities and their staff operates with the utmost of morals. They treat their patients as they would their own parents. There are instances, however, where elder abuse is taking place and their loved ones are completely in the dark as to what is going on.

So, how can you spot elder abuse and neglect? There are several signs to watch for, and these should be noted each time you visit your elder:

• untreated bed sores - this could be a sign that they are left in bed all day and not being cared for properly
• dirty and unbathed - if they need help bathing, this could mean your loved one is being neglected
• Soiled bed sheets and clothes - are they being left in their own filth?
• Unexplained weight loss - this is a sign they are not being fed on a regular basis.
• Your elder may show signs of dementia which could actually be signs of abuse: mumbling to themselves, rocking, etc.

There are also signs of physical abuse that are easier to spot than neglect or emotional abuse:

• unexplained broken bones, fractures or sprains
• broken eyeglasses
• bruises
• restrain marks on their arms or wrists

Many victims of abuse will not come forward and reveal that they are being abused. There are many reasons for this. Some victims feel ashamed, some are afraid of further retaliation by their abuser, and some are afraid they will not be believed.

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, get help immediately. Take them to their medical doctor and have them thoroughly examined. If their doctor confirms that abuse has taken place, call the police and file a formal complaint. Call the facility as well and let them know that your loved one is being abused. It is possible that the administrators are not aware of what has been going on, or that it is only one particular person that has been an abuser.

You will also want to hire an attorney that specializes in elder abuse. They will look at the facts of the case and fight for your elder's rights. They will call in expert witnesses like their doctor to confirm that abuse has taken place, and financial compensation may be awarded.

Most importantly, your elderly loved one will be taken out of the abusive situation and taken care of properly with dignity and grace. Elder abuse is a despicable crime, and those abusers should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney will make sure that happens.