It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could ever neglect a vulnerable or elderly adult. However, elder neglect is not uncommon in families and nursing homes throughout Florida. Therefore, it’s important to look at the underlying causes from a psychological perspective so that we can prevent it from happening whenever possible.
Experts say that caretaker stress is a primary factor in the cause of elder neglect. Perhaps the caretaker is depressed, doesn’t have support from other family members or feels overburdened by the need to provide care without any kind of reward. Adult children who are already suffering from financial stresses may be particularly at risk of neglecting an aging parent.
In addition, someone who is spending every day taking care of a vulnerable adult could become isolated from friends and other relatives, and they might not have the psychological and social support they require to navigate the stresses of caregiving. Being isolated from others will also make it difficult for other people to know what’s going on and step in to intervene in cases of severe abuse and neglect.
Ultimately, there’s no excuse for elder neglect. If you know or suspect that it’s happening, it’s essential to call in the necessary authorities to resolve the situation and ensure that the elderly person receives the care and attention they require. Nevertheless, understanding the causes can help prevent the tragedy of elder neglect as much as possible.
If you or someone you know has been neglected by a caregiver at home or in a long-term care facility, it’s wise to seek legal guidance to determine what legal options you have.
