Recognizing Elderly Neglect of Your Loved One
Elderly neglect is categorized under elderly abuse, being that elderly abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual or financial mistreatment of an elderly person AND includes general neglect and abandonment. But how do you spot the signs of elderly neglect if your loved one hasn’t admitted to being abused by their caregiver or nursing home? We can help you recognize the signs below.
When your loved one has been neglected or abused by their caregiver or facility, you can usually recognize the signs over time. If you suspect elderly abuse, it’s unlawful not to report it, but you should also continue to document the signs of neglect far after the first report. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, there are seven types of elderly abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, financial or material exploitation, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect. You can recognize elderly neglect by documenting the following:
- Poor hygiene
- Poor nutrition and dehydration
- Lack of clothing, bedding or dirty clothing and bedding
- Lack of medical care, attention, or bedsores
- Overmedication or incorrect medication
You can also recognize and report elderly abuse if you notice any of the following:
- Bruises, bumps or scratches
- Continuous exhaustion or unusual sleep patterns
- Sudden withdrawal from social events
- Avoidance of primary caregiver and lack of eye contact
- …and much more
California’s Elderly Abuse & Neglect Laws
In the state of California and many other states in the U.S., it’s unlawful not to report an abuse or neglect incident. With that, any registered caregiver or staff within a nursing home facility should report what they deem as neglect immediately. If you’re a family member visiting your loved one, you’re also able to document and report neglect to the head of staff or police. Under the state of California, which certainly applies to our San Diego victims, under Penal Code 368 PC, elder abuse is defined as inflicting physical, emotional, neglect or financial exploitation upon any person 65 years of age or older. This offense can be prosecuted and is punishable by up to 4 years in prison, and sometimes, if the case has multiple victims or results in more serious injury, the consequences are more severe.
File Your Elderly Abuse Lawsuit at Arendsen Braddock Law
If you or a loved one have found yourself in a situation that looks much like the above, it’s important to connect with a lawyer immediately. Contact Arendsen Braddock Law at either of our offices in San Diego and Solana Beach to get started. We offer free first-time consultations and will fight to get you or your loved one the justice they deserve.