Elderly individuals don’t always have the ability to speak out when they’ve become victims of abuse. Even in an assisted-living situation, it may be hard for them to contact loved ones to seek support.
There are many reasons why the elderly may not report abuse. Some may not report abuse because of:
- Threats against themselves or others
- Feelings of shame
- Depression or anxiety
- Worrying that the abuse will worsen if they speak out
Elder abuse simply is not acceptable, no matter how old the individual is or what kind of care they need. If an assisted-living facility’s staff member cannot handle working with your loved one, then they should not be employed in the field. Medical professionals and caregivers have a moral responsibility to provide for the patients in their care. They may also have the legal obligation to do so based on the terms of the contract with the facility.
If your loved one won’t speak out, how can you recognize abuse?
If your loved one won’t tell you what happened or that abuse has occurred, you can still look for the signs. Some signs of abuse include:
- Missing money, checks, debit cards or credit cards
- Dirty housing or chores/services that have not been done on schedule in the assisted-living facility
- Signs of physical abuse such as bruising, broken bones, cuts or other injuries
- Changes in personality, depression or anxiety
Your family member or beloved friend deserves better. If you believe that abuse is occurring, talk to them and reach out to your attorney for more support with your case.
