It's both devastating and infuriating to realize that a beloved elder has been taken advantage of or abused by someone they are supposed to trust. Unfortunately, elder abuse is an all too common occurrence these days in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

Recently, Tina Bell, owner of the home healthcare agency Superior Health, Inc., was brought up on charges of Medicaid fraud, neglect of care-dependent individuals, and other charges. Pennsylvania investigators found that Bell directed an unlicensed individual to perform nursing duties, leaving patients in the hands of unqualified caregivers. Reports indicate that residents suffered due to understaffing, lack of proper medical attention, and untrained employees. Some staff members did not undergo required health screenings, increasing the risk of patient harm. Authorities allege that Bell's exploitative actions jeopardized the well-being of vulnerable individuals under her agency's care, putting them at significant risk. Bell also is said to have fraudulently received over $1 million in Medicaid payments even though she failed to provide the necessary care and services.

The LLF Family Law Team is here to ensure that your loved one is shielded from harm and neglect and will work to hold the abusers accountable. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to learn more about how our experienced team can assist you.

If you or a loved one has experienced elder abuse, whether in a home care facility employee or family member, the LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team is here to help. Our highly knowledgeable attorneys understand Pennsylvania's elder abuse laws and know the best legal channels to report and stop suspected abuse or neglect.

What Is Elder Abuse?

The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as “an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. An older adult is someone age 60 or older.” Elder abuse typically falls into one or more of five categories, including:

Physical Abuse–intentionally or recklessly inflicting physical pain or injury on an older person through aggressive physical contact or misusing restraints.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse–causing emotional pain, anguish, or distress to a senior person through verbal or non-verbal assaults, threats, harassment, or isolation.

Sexual Abuse–any non-consensual sexual contact with an older adult.

Neglect–failing to provide necessities to an older person in your care, including food, shelter, medical, or hygienic attention.

Financial Abuse–Illegally or improperly using an elder's funds, property, or assets for personal benefit.

Signs of Elder Abuse

Family members and advocates for older persons in-home care should always remain alert to signs of potential elder abuse. Common signs to look for include:

• Unexplained bruises, lacerations, cuts, or fractures
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual changes in behavior or mood
• Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Unusual social isolation and withdrawal
• An unclean, unhygienic environment, including soiled linens, dirty clothing, and unwashed hair.
• Malnutrition, bedsores, or other unattended medical needs.
• Unusual financial transactions or sudden changes in financial status.

If you've observed any of these signs in an elder in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, do not hesitate to report your suspicions to either Pennsylvania's Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who is responsible for advocating for older people and ensuring that they live with dignity and respect, or the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

The LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you suspect that an elder is being or has been abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated, call the LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team without delay. We can help you advocate for older persons' rights and protect them from further harm with a Protection From Abuse order. We have already helped numerous seniors and families get the protection and support they need. Let us help you, too. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or reach out online.