Why Is Elder Abuse Often Difficult to Identify?
Your elderly family member may be undergoing struggles you aren’t aware of. Far too often, they are quietly being abused. There are ways that you can detect elderly abuse. When you notice strange bruises, find that your loved one is frightened, or notice that their health is declining despite their doctor finding no medical reason, these can be signs of abuse. A Glendale personal injury lawyer can help you understand the main reasons why elder abuse is often difficult to identify.
The Victim Is Unable to Report Because of Poor Mental Ability
Your elderly loved one may be struggling with dementia or other forms of mental deterioration that prevent them from perceiving when they are being abused. They may even forget that the incident happened. Because of this, they may be unable to report at all.
Abuse Can Be Mistaken for Mental Deterioration
Sometimes, your family member may speak up about abuse, but it is assumed that they are undergoing mental deterioration. They may seem disoriented or unreliable in recounting their experience. This can be difficult to tell without the help of surveillance cameras or witnesses.
Fear of Ruining Relationship with Nursing Facility or Physician
Your family member may be afraid to speak up because they are dependent on their abuser for basic needs. Perhaps they are regularly being fed by the nurse, healthcare practitioner, or family member abusing them. This can make them feel helpless and hesitant to report abuse.
Fear of Retaliation
The abused victim may be scared that speaking about their abuser will result in retaliation. They don’t want to be harmed further and won’t mention what is happening behind closed doors. This can make a dangerous and difficult situation that can put their life at risk when they neglect to say anything.
Feeling Ashamed
Your elderly family member may feel too ashamed to say that a loved one is hurting them. They may feel embarrassed because they are so close to this individual and don’t want to display them in a bad light.
Doesn’t Want to Hurt the Abuser
Sometimes, your family member simply doesn’t want to get the abuser in trouble. They may be protecting them from getting sued, arrested, or reported because they care about the abuser. It could be their spouse, a sibling, their child, or a friend.
What Do I Do if My Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused?
Once you notice signs of abuse, you should immediately take action. It may be difficult to file a claim if your family member doesn’t speak up. However, you can still report the issue. You can take pictures, document what you’ve seen, and see if there are any witnesses. You can then reach out to an elder abuse attorney who can launch an investigation to find out how your family member is being abused and who is liable.
If this is a criminal form of abuse—for example, sexual or life-threatening—then you may have to seek the help of the police. They can then take over the case, possibly arrest the abuser, and provide legal punishment for the type of abuse that your family member is experiencing. Don’t let an abuser take advantage of your family member. Stand up for them and protect them.