Elder Abuse Is a Nationwide Problem

Elder abuse is a serious problem nationwide, affecting 1 in 10 seniors. Abuse can manifest in many forms, including financial, physical, emotional, as well as neglect issues. What makes the problem especially difficult for seniors is that in over 60 % of cases, the abuser is a family member, so it becomes challenging for an elderly victim to leave and obtain help. It is important to be able to recognize the types and signs of elder abuse and get help from trained professionals in order to protect elderly victims. If you suspect any form of elder abuse, get immediate help from the experienced attorneys at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team today. Call the LLF Family Law Team attorneys at 888.535.3686 or contact us.

Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the signs of elder abuse is vital in order to take steps to protect vulnerable seniors. There are a number of types of elder abuse. as explained in the Elder Abuse Bench Book, written by The Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts and The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Here is a summary of common types of elder abuse and warning signs:

• Physical Abuse- This involves the use of physical force against a senior, resulting in some form of bodily harm. Signs to watch for can include unexplained injuries or bruises or some marks on the body suggesting undue restraint or confinement.
• Emotional Abuse- This involves the intentional infliction of mental anguish, pain, or distress either verbally or non-verbally. Signs to watch for include sudden and unusual changes in mood or behavior and/or a loss of interest in once enjoyable activities and withdrawal from social interaction.
• Financial Abuse- This involves suspicious and sudden changes in finances. Look for signs such as large financial withdrawals, unpaid bills, or inability to afford daily necessities that were formerly handled easily. Another warning sign is unexplained and sudden asset transfers.
• Neglect and Self-Neglect- Neglect occurs when a caregiver is not providing necessary daily care, and self-neglect occurs when a senior is not caring for themselves. Signs include poor personal hygiene or signs of dehydration or malnourishment. The living conditions themselves may look unsanitary, dirty, in disrepair, or lack basic functioning utilities.

Gather Evidence to Show Elder Abuse

If elder abuse is suspected, it is vital to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim and document the dates, times, and locations of any incidents of suspected abuse. Establishing a timeline of abuse is important. Photographs of bruises or unsanitary or unsafe living conditions are also important. If financial abuse is suspected, gather the financial documents that support your claim, including bank statements or suspicious financial transactions or contracts. Any witness accounts or statements that support your claim are very important. Take prompt action to report elder abuse.

Get Help Today at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team

One of the most important ways you can help protect against suspected elder abuse in Pennsylvania is to contact legal professionals to protect all of the legal rights of elderly victims. Elder abuse will often fall under the legal category of domestic abuse if the perpetrator is a family member. In Pennsylvania, the protection of an elder victim will require a protection from abuse order.

At the first sign of suspected elder abuse, bring your concerns and evidence to the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team and let them answer all your questions about obtaining a protection from abuse order for elder abuse. Seniors in Pennsylvania are vulnerable and timely intervention is essential. Elders need the support and protection provided by the dedicated attorneys at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team. Get that needed help and legal protection today by calling 888.535.3686 or contact us.