Elder Abuse

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is generally considered to be violent behavior or neglect towards senior citizens or those individuals typically over 65 years of age. The abuse can be mental or physical. Approximately 2.1 million American are victims of elder abuse each year. A significant portion of this abuse occurs in elder-care facilities (nursing homes). There are things you can do to investigate whether a loved one has been subjected to elder abuse. Day & Nance is a preeminent Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who will represent you in your elder abuse case.

What to do and look for in elder abuse

• Interview the elder to establish facts. Speak with them and listen to complaints, concerns or problems they may have.
  
• Assess the elder's physical condition. looking for injuries, sores, poor oral care, poor hygiene, signs of malnourishment, and bruising. Suspicious bruising may be found on the ears, neck, genitals, buttocks, or even the soles of the feet.
  
• Assess the facility. Look for such things as strong odors especially those of urine and feces, unchanged linens, overflowing trash receptacles and sloppy maintenance of food preparation areas.
  
• Talk to facility personnel, home healthcare workers, and family members. If the elder resides in a residence, speak with other residents and family members.
  
• Look for inconsistencies. This includes discrepancies in medical records and interviews with family, staff and other personnel.
  
• Report. If you suspect someone is the victim of elder abuse, report the abuse to proper local authorities.
  

As the baby boomers begin retiring and reach an advanced age, more and more cases of elder abuse are going to appear. With advances in medical technology, people are living longer. The elder population is growing exponentially in the United States.