Are you one of the many Alabama residents who has an elderly relative living in a nursing home or other care facility? If so, you understand the worries that you have for your loved one. In addition to making sure your relative’s health needs are met, you also need to make sure they are treated properly and do not become the victim of some form of elder abuse or neglect. This is no easy task especially if you do not live in the same city or county.
While there is no exact way to pinpoint who may be abused or neglected as an elder, there are some factors known to increase a person’s risk according to the National Center for Elder Abuse. One of these is the presence of dementia. Other physical limitations or impairments may also be associated with a greater likelihood of abuse. People who have before experienced severe emotional trauma may also be more likely to be sexually, financially or emotionally abused by a caregiver.
Elderly people who have limited support from friends or family and are therefore less connected may also be more susceptible to neglect or abuse in part because there are fewer people who may notice the signs of these things. Lower income elders may also face greater chances of being neglected.
If you would like to learn more about reporting and getting help with suspected neglect and abuse of your loved ones, please feel free to visit the elder exploitation page of our Alabama personal injury website.
