Americans are living longer than in years past. While this should be good news, sadly, it has also led to an increase in elder abuse. According to the latest census, about 13% of the United States population is age 65 or older. Compare that figure to just 4% of the population being in the 65 or older age group in 1900. With advances in medicine and better health, diet and exercise habits, many seniors are self-sufficient well into their twilight years. For those that do eventually need help, whether it’s as simple as a weekly visit from a caregiver or around the clock care in a nursing home, studies show us that they are extremely vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
America’s senior citizens are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They may have been pioneers in their field or simply dedicated and hard workers during their lifetime. Regardless, they deserve to spend their twilight years without worrying that someone will take advantage of them or abuse them. They deserve our respect. Unfortunately, for many, instead they become the victim of elder abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms. Elder abuse can strike in the form of financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect. Estimates are that between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been mistreated or abused by a caregiver. Exact figures are very hard to come by because incidents of elder abuse frequently go unreported. Experts think that there may be as many as ten times more cases of elder abuse than those that are reported.
The main reason that elder abuse is so under-reported is that they are such a vulnerable population. Many seniors are terrified to say anything about abuse that they are suffering for fear of retaliation. If they are financially or physically dependent on the caregiver that is abusing them, then they may be scared to say anything for fear of making the situation worse. Additionally, many seniors suffer from mental conditions that make communicating difficult. Those that abuse elders take advantage of these situations and count on the victim to remain silent. Elder abuse can happen in long-term care facilities, retirement homes, hospitals or by private caregivers or even family members.
Abuse of the elderly is a crime in the State of California and the perpetrator can be arrested and charged with a variety of charges depending on the abuse involved. Elder abuse can also lead to civil lawsuits in the form of negligence claims or even wrongful death lawsuits. If you suspect that someone you know aged 65 or older-whether it’s a family member or friend- is being abused in any way, report your suspicions to the proper authorities immediately. If you believe that your loved one has been physically injured as a result of the neglect or abuse or that a loved one’s death was the result of abuse or neglect, you may also have the basis for a California personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit.
If you would like more information about your legal options if you feel that a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, please contact California elder abuse attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit him online at www.ledgerlaw.com
