Good for the elderly
The National Center on Elder Abuse distinguishes between seven different types of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect , abandonment, and self- neglect .
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted upon an older adult , their financial exploitation, or neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for their care.
neglect
60 or older
What Are the Warning Signs of Elder Abuse? Injuries such as bruises , cuts, or broken bones . Malnourishment or weight loss . Poor hygiene. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or confusion. Unexplained transactions or loss of money. Withdrawal from family members or friends.
However if the victim so chooses, and criminal charges are filed, financial elder abuse can lead to misdemeanor and felony charges. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to a year in jail , and a $1,000 fine. Felony convictions can result in up to four years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
But while state law requires that elder abuse be reported, the high level of proof needed for criminal charges is often elusive. If an abuser has legal documents such as power of attorney, it is especially hard to prove that a victim has been defrauded or stolen from.
The most common complaints of elder abuse in nursing facilities are the failure to meet the elder’s basic needs, including nutritional needs, medical needs, or mobility assistance.
Although more research is needed, most cases of elder abuse are perpetrated by known and trusted others, particularly family members (including adult children, spouses, and others). Abusers can be men or women, of any age, race, or socio-economic status.
Passive neglect – the failure by a caregiver to provide a person with the necessities of life including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, because of failure to understand the person’s needs, lack of awareness of services to help meet needs, or lack of capacity to care for the person.
The federal government and states, the District of Columbia, and some territories all have statutes to protect older adults from physical abuse , neglect, financial exploitation, psychological abuse , sexual abuse , and abandonment. On this page you will find different types of state statutes related to elder abuse .
To prove there was a breach by the fiduciary or someone else, one or more of the following must be proven: Extensive withdrawal from monetary accounts. Increased or changed spending habits. Someone added to the senior’s financial accounts. Unpaid health care costs or no health care. Changes in the senior’s estate.
The NSW Elder Abuse Helpline & Resource Unit (EAHRU) The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm. Call 1800 628 221. Any- one can make the call.
Hiring an attorney is the best way to fight false accusations against you. You can find an attorney experienced in the area of elder responsibility that is involved.