It's hard to imagine someone intentionally causing harm or hurting an elderly person. Every year nearly 1 million elders are abused just in The United States alone. And these are only the reported incidents of elder abuse — many more cases undetected and unreported, often because adults are scared to tell somebody who can help.
Most of the time, elders know their abusers and the abuse happens in the nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This makes it difficult for the elders to speak up. They may have a fear of the power the abusers have over them — so they stay quiet. That's why it is very important to be able to recognize the warning signs of nursing home abuse.
Some warning signs of elder abuse
Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding
Bone or skull fractures
An elder's report of being hit, punched, slapped, or kicked
Aggressive behavior
Anal or Vaginal bleeding
STD’s
Difficulty in walking, sitting or standing
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Bedsores
Poor hygiene
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Unattended or untreated health problems; and
An elder's report of being harassed, threatened or mistreated
If You Suspect Abuse-Here's what to do:
If you suspect that an elder person is being abused in a nursing home, it's your responsibility to contact the staff of the nursing home or long-term living facilities. Your loved one safety is the immediate issue: you could save them by removing them from a dangerous situation as soon as possible.
Break the Silence-When all doubts and accusations of elder abuse turn out to be true, contact a nursing home abuse attorney in Los Angeles for help.
Most of the time, elders know their abusers and the abuse happens in the nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This makes it difficult for the elders to speak up. They may have a fear of the power the abusers have over them — so they stay quiet. That's why it is very important to be able to recognize the warning signs of nursing home abuse.
Some warning signs of elder abuse
Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding
Bone or skull fractures
An elder's report of being hit, punched, slapped, or kicked
Aggressive behavior
Anal or Vaginal bleeding
STD’s
Difficulty in walking, sitting or standing
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Bedsores
Poor hygiene
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Unattended or untreated health problems; and
An elder's report of being harassed, threatened or mistreated
If You Suspect Abuse-Here's what to do:
If you suspect that an elder person is being abused in a nursing home, it's your responsibility to contact the staff of the nursing home or long-term living facilities. Your loved one safety is the immediate issue: you could save them by removing them from a dangerous situation as soon as possible.
Break the Silence-When all doubts and accusations of elder abuse turn out to be true, contact a nursing home abuse attorney in Los Angeles for help.