With increasing life spans and mortality rates the population of seniors is on the rise. On the other hand there is a marked decrease in childbirths. Both these combine to have a greater percentage of senior citizens in our population. In such a scenario proper care and medical facilities for our elders is a priority. Unfortunately the cases of abuse of elders too are on the rise. The listing of elder abuse attorneys in Las Vegas is huge and yet the cases of abuse that are bought to the notice of authorities are still nominal. Cases of abuse are not restricted to family members or professional caregivers but also strangers. Predatory individuals and unscrupulous professionals often exploit elders for personal gains.
Who is at risk for Abuse?
Although almost all dependent elders are at risk of being exploited and abused, some are more prone to abuse than others. The factors that increase the chances of abuse include recent losses, loneliness, physical or mental disabilities, isolation and unfamiliarity with financial matters. The elderly are attractive targets of abuse because they often do not realize the value of their assets which might have appreciated considerably over time. In many cases they are trusting and often even dependent on others for their care. Las Vegas Elder abuse law is the most stringent in the country. A conviction can not only carry a heavy penalty but also leave a criminal mark on the records of the offender.
Reporting Cases of Abuse to Authorities
While the procedure for reporting abuse of the elderly may vary from state to state, the basic procedure remains the same. Once a case of suspected abuse has been intimated to the concerned authorities, in this case, Adult Protection Services; an investigation would be initiated. This investigation would assess the extent and nature of abuse as well as the probability of re-occurrence and level of risk for the elder person. Basic medical care is provided if required. The investigators would also determine the appropriate measures to ensure that any further exploitation and abuse is prevented. If the abuse has happened in a nursing home or an assisted living facility then nursing home abuse lawyers in Las Vegas would initiate legal proceedings against the abusers.
Overcoming the problems of Abuse and Moving Forward
In cases of abuse a host of services are needed for addressing the issue and safeguarding the rights of the elderly. This includes mental health assessments of both the abused and the abuser, individual or group counseling, as appropriate , to help the abused person and their dear ones deal with the situation, legal assistance for the abused and a host of other support services reduce isolation and dependency of the victims. All persons over sixty years of age are entitled to free legal services as envisaged by the Older American’s Act. As part of this program, nursing home abuse attorneys in Las Vegas are now adept at handling cases of elder abuse and are helping restore the dignity of elders who have been abused.
Who is at risk for Abuse?
Although almost all dependent elders are at risk of being exploited and abused, some are more prone to abuse than others. The factors that increase the chances of abuse include recent losses, loneliness, physical or mental disabilities, isolation and unfamiliarity with financial matters. The elderly are attractive targets of abuse because they often do not realize the value of their assets which might have appreciated considerably over time. In many cases they are trusting and often even dependent on others for their care. Las Vegas Elder abuse law is the most stringent in the country. A conviction can not only carry a heavy penalty but also leave a criminal mark on the records of the offender.
Reporting Cases of Abuse to Authorities
While the procedure for reporting abuse of the elderly may vary from state to state, the basic procedure remains the same. Once a case of suspected abuse has been intimated to the concerned authorities, in this case, Adult Protection Services; an investigation would be initiated. This investigation would assess the extent and nature of abuse as well as the probability of re-occurrence and level of risk for the elder person. Basic medical care is provided if required. The investigators would also determine the appropriate measures to ensure that any further exploitation and abuse is prevented. If the abuse has happened in a nursing home or an assisted living facility then nursing home abuse lawyers in Las Vegas would initiate legal proceedings against the abusers.
Overcoming the problems of Abuse and Moving Forward
In cases of abuse a host of services are needed for addressing the issue and safeguarding the rights of the elderly. This includes mental health assessments of both the abused and the abuser, individual or group counseling, as appropriate , to help the abused person and their dear ones deal with the situation, legal assistance for the abused and a host of other support services reduce isolation and dependency of the victims. All persons over sixty years of age are entitled to free legal services as envisaged by the Older American’s Act. As part of this program, nursing home abuse attorneys in Las Vegas are now adept at handling cases of elder abuse and are helping restore the dignity of elders who have been abused.