The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

It seems that we read and hear with increasing frequency accounts of children who are neglected, abused and sometimes even killed by parents or others who are responsible for their care and safety. It is unfortunate that stories about the abuse and neglect of our nation's elderly do not receive similar coverage. Many elderly adults and senior citizens are just as vulnerable as children and just as dependent upon others for their care, assistance, and safety.

The abuse and neglect of the elderly takes on many forms ranging from actual physical, sexual and emotional abuse to neglect of basic needs such as nourishment to financial exploitation by unscrupulous individuals trying to steal from or take advantage of a vulnerable person. Sadly, in many cases the offenders are people that the senior citizen knows such as a family member, financial advisor or care givers including those in our nation's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Currently, there are thousands of elderly and other individuals that reside in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in every state in the country. While many of these folks receive good care and treatment, many of them do not. If you or your loved one resides in a nursing home or is in any environment where they are dependent upon others to help meet their needs and take care of them it is especially important to make certain that they are receiving the best care and assistance possible.

Signs of Elder Abuse

If you notice any of the following signs of abuse or neglect, immediate action should be taken to protect your or your loved one's health and safety:

• Unexplained injuries including bruises, cuts, scrapes or other injuries
• Broken bones
• Pressure Ulcers, decubitus ulcers and bed sores
• Unexplained changes in behavior or demeanor including isolative behavior
• Unexplained fear of a particular person or situation
• Weight loss
• Excessive hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Disorientation
• Missing possessions including money or clothing

What to Do if you Expect Elder Abuse

Should your loved one exhibit any of these signs or symptoms of neglect or abuse, or, if for any reason, you suspect neglect or abuse, the following steps may be taken:

• Report the neglect and abuse to the facility administrator
• Report the neglect and abuse to the local authorities
• Complain to the state Department of Health (most states have hotlines where such abuse and neglect may be reported)
• Complain to the state ombudsman (most states have ombudsman programs where complaints of elderly abuse and neglect may be made)

If your elderly loved one has suffered at the hands of another, please contact the nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation.

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