Elderly Abuse and Negligence

Elderly abuse and negligence can happen anywhere, whether an elderly person is living at home, with relatives, or in a nursing home. Abuse and neglect can take different forms including: intimidation, threats, neglect, and financial chicanery. Elders become frail and are less able to stand up for themselves. More than 500,000 cases of elderly abuse get reported each year in the United States, with an estimated 1 million cases that go unreported.

Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or negligent treatment. Examples include: physical assault, inappropriate use of constraints, intimidation, isolation, abandonment, Medicare fraud, and misuse of an elder’s money.

There are a few warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If your loved one tends to argue with their caretaker often, if there are changes in your loved one’s personality, or any unexplained bruises or injuries, your loved one may be experiencing nursing home abuse.

Since elderly people are more frail, it makes it difficult for them to stand up for themselves to prevent any potential abuse. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, look for warning signs, call and visit as much as possible, stay with the elderly individual, and if you suspect abuse, report it.

Below is the contact information for resources on reporting elderly abuse.

For Immediate Danger Call 911

WVDHHR 1-800-352-6513

ElderCare Locator 1-800-677-1116

Long-Term Care Ombudsman 1-800-834-0598

If you believe a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, our staff is here to help. Call one of our Nursing Home Negligence attorneys today to receive a free consultation. You pay no legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or an acceptable settlement offer on your behalf.