Elder Neglect

Neglect is a form of elder abuse in which a caregiver fails to provide the senior with basic needs. This includes water, food, shelter, medical assistance, personal hygiene products, heat or air conditioning. It includes excessively medicating an elder or not positioning and/or moving an elder resulting in bedsores. Remember, seemingly non-serious forms of neglect (such as dehydration, bedsores, etc.) can be life-threatening to the elderly. In fact, we have handled too many elder abuse cases where a single, serious bedsore led to a serious infection to an elderly person, ultimately resulting in death. The key lesson to learn from this is that neglect to an elder must be taken seriously because they often do not have the ability to withstand physical neglect. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to neglect. As with any form of elder abuse, neglect should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

Signs of Elder Neglect:

• Any signs of dehydration, bedsores (decubitus ulcers), malnutrition, sepsis, etc.
• The elder feels isolated by a caregiver and is unable to speak freely or spend time with others.
• A caregiver fails to assist with personal hygiene or medications.
• A caregiver has a history of violence, or alcohol or drug abuse.
• The senior shows signs of being sleepy or “out of it” when they normally would not be tired.
• The elder has sudden weight loss.
• The elder does not have necessities, including eyeglasses, dentures, prostheses, hearing aids, canes, walkers, or other critical items.

Physical abuse is the infliction of bodily injuries on an elder. Seniors or their loved ones should immediately report physical abuse to law enforcement by calling “911” or Adult Protective Services. In addition, consult an attorney who specializes in elder abuse cases.

Physical elder abuse is the neglect or mistreatment of an elderly person (typically a person age 65 or older). In California, if a person over age 65 is neglected, such neglect in considered elder abuse and there are special laws that were enacted to protect elders from such harms. If elder neglect/abuse results in injuries to an elder, then an attorney that specializes in elder abuse should be consulted because it is one of the most effective ways (and often the only way) to stop the abuser.

Unfortunately, elder abuse is far too common. Some 1.6 million people in the U.S. live in approximately 17,000 licensed nursing homes on any given day, and over a million persons live in about 45,000 plus residential care facilities, variously known as personal care homes, adult congregate living facilities, domiciliary care homes, homes for the aged, and assisted living facilities. [See, Elder Abuse in Residential Long-Term Care Facilities: What is known about Prevalence, Causes, and Prevention, June 18, 2002.] While a number of studies have estimated that between three (3%) and five (5%) percent of the elderly population in the U.S. have been abused, the Senate Special Committee on Aging estimated that there may be as many as 5 million victims of elder abuse and/or neglect every year! [See article by the National Center on Elder Abuse.] Further, the available data indicates that only one (1) out of every fourteen (14) abuse/neglect cases is ever reported to authorities. And, while the elderly are already extremely vulnerable to abuse, issues of mental impairment and dementia are additional significant factors that make seniors even more susceptible to elder abuse and/or neglect. Accordingly, elder abuse is a very serious problem that continues to plague our society.

Elder abuse happens everywhere – in poor, middle class, and upper-income households and in far too many long-term care facilities. It is a problem that has no demographic or ethnic boundaries. Because family members, close friends, and even professional caregivers are often the culprits of abuse and neglect, it is often difficult to discover and even more difficult to accept.

Signs of Physical Abuse:

• Dehydration, bedsores (decubitus ulcers), malnutrition, sepsis, etc.
• Lacerations, abrasions, fractures, welts, bruises, discoloration, or swelling
• Pain or tenderness on mere touch
• Detached retina, bleeding, or scalp wound
• Elder becomes withdrawn, unusually introverted or afraid
• Appears depressed and not himself/herself
• Unusual mood changes and anger
• Fear of being touched or approached by others

Financial Abuse is the mismanagement of money, property or other assets belonging to an elder. Anyone who has access to an elder’s personal information, such as bank accounts, credit cards, checkbooks, etc. can potentially steal from them. Once again, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to every form of abuse so be careful about whom you trust. Elders of their loved ones should take steps to protect the elder from financial abuse.

How To Protect Yourself From Financial Abuse

• Cancel all credit cards the elder is not using.
• Never keep the elder’s personal identification number (PIN) and their ATM card in the same place. If you need to write it down, be sure to keep it in a secure place.
• Never give your credit or ATM cards to a family member or a friend to buy things for you. Whenever possible, give them cash or reimburse them with a check.
• Try to balance your checkbook or have a trusted family member or friend do it for you on a monthly basis. Immediately inform your bank or credit card companies of any activity that does not appear to be your own.
• Report financial abuse to Adult Protective Services by calling 1(877) 4-R-SENIORS or by calling your local police department.

When to suspect you or someone you know may be a victim of financial abuse:

• You detect unusual activity in your bank accounts – such as numerous withdrawals or attempts to withdraw a large sum of money.
• A friend or caretaker asks you for a loan and tells you to keep it a secret. A need for secrecy can be a warning sign of an intent not to repay the loan.
• You see your bills piling up when payment is the responsibility of your caretaker.
• You see changes in your will or power of attorney though you are unable or unwilling to make such changes.
• You lack amenities, such as clothing and grooming items, although you have the means to pay for these items.