What To Do When You Suspect Senior Abuse

Elder abuse is when the trusted caregiver of a senior citizen takes advantage of a senior. This can take a variety of forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse.

By definition, this abuse occurs at the hands of a trusted caregiver, making it hard for seniors to come forward with an allegation.  Elders may fear the repercussions for their abusers. Others may fear retaliation from their abusers. Still others may be incapacitated to the extend that they cannot report abuse, or believe that others will not take their charges seriously.

Signs of Senior Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect

There are a wide variety of signs of elder abuse because it takes many forms. In the case of physical abuse, seniors may show bruising, broken bones, and black eyes. In the form of sexual abuse, seniors may have unexplained bruising and bleeding on the genitals and breasts, or even bite marks. In the case of financial abuse, seniors may be unable to explain where their money is. In emotional abuse, seniors may retreat into depression, and may stop talking. Additionally, you should be extremely suspicious of any caregiver that will not allow you to speak to the elder alone.

What to Do

If you suspect that a senior in your life has been the victim of any form of senior abuse or exploitation, you need to act quickly. Keep a journal and record any observations you have made, any warning signs that you have observed. Do not limit yourself to the signs listed here, make a note of anything that seems off or makes you suspicious. You may also want to seek the opinion of medical personnel not affiliated with the caregiver. Try to speak to your senior alone.

However, it is always a good idea to consult an expert. An expert opinion can help you better evaluate the situation, and will know more about what are the best steps to take. In some situations legal action may be the best way to help your senior obtain justice. Seeking an attorney early in the process can help guide you through this process.

Take Action Now

If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of senior abuse, you should take action as quickly as possibly. Abusers often depend on the inaction of others to continue abuse and exploitation of seniors, and avoid the consequences of their actions. But you need to be an advocate for the seniors and elders in your life. You may be the only person that they can depend on when they need it most.

You can start by visiting the Elder Abuse Identification & Nursing Home Neglect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Here, you can enter information about your situation for a legal review by a trained expert with a background in this type of litigation. The initial consultation is completely free of charge, and from it, you can receive additional guidance on the best steps to take in your exact situation.