How Can I Report Elder Abuse?
Discovering that your loved one has been mistreated is devastating, but understanding how to report elder abuse can help secure their safety. Unfortunately, elders are not always able to speak out about their abuse, so it is essential for those who love them to step in when they suspect a problem. Knowing who to contact and the subsequent steps to take just might help you save their life. Who Should Report Elder Abuse? In most states, doctors are mandated to report any suspected abuse. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable for any damages that occur. Aside from doctors, anyone who suspects abuse should report it. Doctors and other workers may miss it, so any other caring individual needs to step in and help when necessary. Whom Do I Call if I Suspect Abuse? If you suspect that an elder is being abused, it might be confusing to know what steps to take. First, if the resident is in life-threatening danger, do not hesitate and call 911 immediately. If your loved one is not in immediate danger, the Nursing Home Abuse Center suggests three great resources for reporting abuse: Local law enforcement authorities Local adult protective services (APL). Utah’s APL services can be found here. A local long-term care ombudsman. Ombudsmen are trained and empowered to help resolve elder care issues. Find a local ombudsman in Utah here. What Should I Expect When I Call to Report Elder Abuse? When you make a call to report elder abuse, make sure that you have access to the resident’s personal information such as their name, address, and phone number. After that, they will ask for the details concerning why you suspect abuse. Here are some examples of questions you might be asked: Are there any known medical problems including confusion or memory loss? What kind of family or social support is there? Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior? Before you make your report, make sure you are prepared to answer these questions, so the proper authorities can act as quickly as possible. What Happens After I Report Elder Abuse? After your concerns have been reported to the proper authorities, an investigation will be conducted to substantiate the claims that were made. Interviews will be led and evidence will be gathered. Once the investigation is over, the proper actions will be performed to ensure that the abuse will cease. You can also request to have the elder removed from the facility altogether. Once they are removed and the situation has been handled, their healing process can begin. If Your Loved One Has Suffered Elder Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Once you have made the brave decision to report elder abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you fight for the care your loved one deserves. We understand how critical it is to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect their staff has inflicted upon their residents. Our offices are located throughout Utah in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan. Reach out to get in contact with our team today.
How Often Does Financial Abuse Occur in Nursing Homes?
Financial abuse is a fast-growing form of exploitation in residents of nursing homes that can have devastating effects. This type of abuse can be just as damaging as physical or emotional mistreatment, but is usually more difficult to detect and establish. Continue reading to learn about what constitutes elder financial abuse, the warning signs to be aware of, and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you or your loved ones. What is Elder Financial Abuse? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes elder financial abuse as the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s: Money Benefits Belongings Property Assets Essentially, any sort of financial or material exploitation is considered abuse. This can happen to any senior, regardless of their socio-economic status. Nursing home residents are especially prone to this type of mistreatment, as they may be more vulnerable to deceptive practices taking place. In many cases, the victims are completely unaware that this is transpiring. Financial Abuse Examples Financial abuse does not occur in a one-size-fits-all formula. There are many variations of this type of exploitation, but here are some of the most common examples: Depriving an older person of rightful access to their assets Forging their signature Cashing their checks without permission or authorization Stealing or misusing an elderly person’s money or possessions Coercing them to sign documents, such as a contract or will Improper use of guardianship or power of attorney Frequency of Financial Abuse Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. There are many different types and unfortunately, they are all quite common. Abuse is experienced by about 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live in nursing homes. An Oxford study from February 2019 discovered that about 13.8 percent of nursing home residents have encountered financial abuse. Conversely, only about 6.8 percent of them generally report it. Overall, estimates suggest that 64.2 percent of staff admitted to elder abuse over one year. Signs of Elder Financial Abuse It is important to understand the signs of financial abuse to safeguard your loved one if they are a facility resident. Some of the most common signs include: Unexplained cash withdrawals or transfers Abrupt financial document changes Living conditions that are below means Cheap medications Lacking medical devices Missing cards or noticing unusual charges Fraudulent signatures Becoming reluctant to talk about financial issues Preventing Financial Abuse Understanding the signs of financial abuse is a great start toward preventing it. Additionally, here are some other methods for avoiding this type of exploitation: Check reviews of nursing facilities before hiring anyone to administer care Use automatic bill paying systems Communicate with banks if you notice suspicious activity Consider hiring a geriatric care manager to oversee finances Be wary of caregivers who attempt to excessively isolate your loved one Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here to Help If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of elder financial abuse, report it immediately to your state’s hotline. You should also contact the police and Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. Our qualified attorneys have experience handling all types of elder abuse cases, including financial abuse. We fight for victims and their families to receive not only fair compensation but also respect and kindness. We have offices throughout Utah County as well as West Jordan in Utah. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
What Does Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes Look Like?
Though sometimes difficult to identify, emotional abuse in nursing homes is the most common type of elder abuse. Aside from emotional maltreatment, elderly abuse can happen in many different forms including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Emotional abuse is sometimes harder to identify and prove because there is no physical evidence associated with it. Emotional elder abuse can happen in any nursing home. It is important to understand what this looks like and how you can help if you suspect your loved one is undergoing emotional harm. What is Elder Emotional Abuse? According to Very Well Mind, emotional abuse is a way to control another person by using emotions to criticize, embarrass, shame, blame, or otherwise manipulate them. When this happens to a victim who is over the age of 65, it is considered elder emotional abuse. Perpetrators usually include children, other family members, spouses, or staff at nursing homes, assisted living, or other facilities. Types of Elder Emotional Abuse Elder abuse can occur in verbal and nonverbal ways. Some examples include: Blaming the elder Scapegoating Demeaning behavior Humiliation or ridicule Ignoring their needs Terrorizing Intimidation Yelling Using threatening behavior Isolating the elderly person Some Important Statistics There are about 5 million victims of elder abuse each year in the United States. Around 435,000 of those cases were reported cases of emotional abuse against the elderly. Caregivers are more likely to emotionally abuse seniors as opposed to spouses or family members. Roughly 67 percent of elder emotional abuse victims are women. Evidence of Emotional Abuse in a Nursing Home Your loved one might show signs indicating that they have been through some kind of emotional trauma. These can include the following: Avoiding eye contact Having low self-esteem A sudden change in personality or behavior Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies Seems hopeless, disturbed, or scared Displays a desire to harm their own self or another Sudden changes in sleeping or eating patterns Noticeable mood swings What to Do if You Suspect Elder Emotional Abuse If you suspect emotional abuse in nursing homes or anywhere else, contact Adult Protective Services or your local authorities. A government-appointed caregiver will step in to evaluate the situation. Treating Cases of Elder Emotional Abuse The first step in helping your loved one heal from elder emotional abuse is to promptly relocate them to safer living accommodations. This may include another family member, care center, or assisted living facility. You should also consider therapy for the elder, and in some cases, a counselor will be assigned by the state. A medical professional can prescribe calming medications to help the elderly person cope with the emotional distress they have experienced. Take Action with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you suspect your loved one is a victim of emotional abuse in a nursing home, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you take action. Our nursing home abuse lawyers will seek justice for the damages that occurred and assist you and your loved one on your path to healing. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive not only fair compensation, but also respect and kindness. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is when patients do not receive adequate mental and physical care. Even though it may not be intentional, it is still dangerous. The health risks can be serious and should not be taken lightly. Continue reading to learn more. Causes of Nursing Home Neglect There are many reasons, both intentional and unintentional, as to why this type of neglect occurs. Either way, both are forms of elder abuse. In most cases, negligence is unintentional. Short staffing, inadequate training, and high turnover rates are common unintended causes of neglect. Employees of care centers generally want to provide proper care, but in some cases, it accidentally falls through the cracks. In rare cases, mistreatment can be intentional. Due to apathy or a more sinister reason, patients may receive substandard care. Either way, every case needs to be reported to the proper authorities. According to Nursing Home Abuse Justice, an estimated 5,000,000 people are affected by elder abuse every single year. Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect To evaluate a nursing home’s quality of care, look for red flags that may indicate a problem. While one of these signs may not point to a pattern of neglect, seeing multiple may be cause for concern. Poor Personal Hygiene – Nursing homes help their patients with basic personal hygiene. Workers assist patients with a variety of hygienic tasks such as brushing their teeth, bathing, clipping their nails, and changing their clothes. A frequent lack of acceptable hygiene may point to neglect. Unsanitary Living Conditions – Clean and sanitary living conditions are a necessary aspect of proper care. Fresh bedding, clean bathrooms, and tidy rooms are essential aspects of adequate living conditions. If surroundings are frequently unsanitary, this may be a sign of elder abuse. Malnutrition – Nursing homes are required to provide proper nutrition to all of their patients. Mistreatment in this area can result in patient malnutrition and dehydration. When visiting a loved one, make sure that healthy foods are being served and that they are well hydrated. If not, consider this a red flag. Unexplained Injuries- Fractures, lacerations, bumps, and bruises point to potential physical abuse. If you notice any unexplained injuries on your loved one, this may be a sign of physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, and pushing. Consequences of Elder Abuse Failing to provide adequate care to patients can result in many penalties for the care center. If a single employee is neglecting patients, they can be punished or even terminated. If the neglect becomes habitual, the care center can receive civil or even criminal charges. Individuals and care centers can also receive financial penalties and may even be denied the ability to work with the elderly in the future. If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to help you fight for the care they deserve. We strive to ensure that negligent nursing homes are held accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What To Look For In A Nursing Home
Selecting a nursing home for yourself or a loved one can be difficult, and it’s a stressful decision that you should make with care. Many people wonder what they should consider when selecting a home. Here are some items that you should review when making this important decision. The Staff The staff at the nursing home is going to have the most interaction with the loved one. Be observant of how they treat the other residents. Do they seem to have their best interests in heart? Are they professional and respectful with their treatment of the other residents? Do they create a comfortable and relaxed environment? These are questions that should be asked while you are observing. Observing and communicating with the administration is vital when making this decision. The home’s administrator is responsible for the type of care for your loved one and is also the main point of contact. Make sure the administrator is easily accessible and available. If the administrator is difficult to contact, this could be considered a red flag. Location A care center should be within close proximity to loved ones. If an emergency were to happen, a 10-15 minute drive is a lot more doable than an hour long trip. A close facility can provide a lot of peace of mind. Social and family visits are easier to make when the facility is close in proximity. These visits help to maintain familial relationships and make the loved one feel a sense of connection and purpose. The Size Is your loved one an introvert or an extrovert? Would they thrive in a big group of people or would they prefer smaller crowds and some time alone? If your loved one is an extrovert, is there a lot of space for activities and many people to interact with? If they are an introvert, are there smaller activity groups or other locations for solo activities? These are just some of the questions you should consider as you make a decision in the size of the facility. Checklist Medicare provides a comprehensive checklist of items that should be covered when selecting a care center. Included in the checklist is the basic information of the facility, safety and care, proper certifications, the appearance, the menu, and other important factors. Use this as a template when making the final decision. Ask a lot of questions, observe, and trust your gut. If a certain facility does meet these qualifications, do not be afraid to say no and look at other options. There are a lot of nursing facilities that provide different levels of care and attention to their residents. Take the time to make sure that the facility that you choose will meet the needs of your loved ones. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You If your loved one is not receiving proper care in their current nursing home situation, our experienced attorneys are here to help you fight for the care they deserve. We strive to ensure that negligent nursing homes are held accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Knowing the signs of nursing home abuse can save your loved ones from trauma in the future. Sadly, many of these cases go unreported. As older people become more fragile, they’re less likely to defend themselves if someone verbally or physically attacks them. Continue reading to find out why elder abuse occurs. Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Occur? Most elderly people experience a reduction in their senses. For instance, they may no longer be able to see or hear like they used to, resulting in abusers taking advantage of them. Moreover, since elders often experience mental and physical limitations, they can be difficult for caretakers to manage. Unfortunately, elder abuse sometimes isn’t taken seriously because many seniors have dementia and other disorders; this leads to people thinking that a victim imagines their abuse. Learn how to identify the signs of nursing home abuse below. Signs of Physical Abuse Unexplained injuries, including bruises, fractures, broken bones, scars, sprains, lacerations, and discolorations Vulnerability to illnesses, including sexually transmitted diseases Frequent complaints of pain and discomfort Signs of physical restraint, including marks around the wrists or ankles Being over or under medicated Nervousness or silence around caretakers Premature death Signs of Neglect Neglect can be accidental or intentional. Warning signs include: Lack of sanitation and hygiene Dehydration or malnutrition Untreated bedsores Worsening pre-existing illness and health conditions Living in squalor, including fleas, soiled clothing, bedbugs, and dirt in a resident’s room Signs of Sexual Abuse The emergence of sexually transmitted diseases Injuries or bruises on inner thighs or genitalia Torn or bloody underwear According to the National Council on Aging, five million elders experience abuse each year in the United States. Signs of Financial Exploitation Unnecessary expenses and care Drastic changes in overall financial situation Suspicious and significant withdrawals from the person’s bank account Unpaid medical bills, expenses, or care when the person’s financial situation was stable only a few months ago Keep in mind that if your loved one is bed-ridden, there shouldn’t be new financial transactions from their bank account. Institutional Risk Factors for Elder Abuse Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed, or their members may be overworked; this leads to rushed care, frustration, and early burnout. Residents are at higher risk of elder abuse if their facility has: High staff turnover rates Limited administrative oversight Unrealistic work expectations Reckless hiring practices, such as not conducting thorough background checks Staff who act with disregard toward residents Although you can’t always prevent abuse, you can take steps to protect your loved ones. Checking in with them every day will go a long way in keeping them safe and making them feel secure. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Often, the signs of nursing home abuse aren’t conspicuous. If your loved one is a victim of abuse, you can count on the nursing home abuse lawyers at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to help them receive the compensation they deserve. We have offices in Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is Elder Abuse?
Every year, thousands of older people experience elder abuse, which can be physical or emotional. Most of these victims are frail and vulnerable, so they can’t protect themselves. Sadly, the abusers are often family members, friends, and trusted individuals in positions of authority. Continue reading to find out more about this type of abuse. Types of Elder Abuse The Administration for Community Living (ACL) identifies the following behaviors as abuse: Physical abuse: Inflicting physical injuries on a senior by bruising, slapping, or restraining them. Emotional abuse: Inflicting emotional pain or distress on an elderly person by intimidating, humiliating, or threatening them. Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact Financial abuse: Illegally taking a senior’s funds, property, or assets for your benefit. Abandonment: Deserting a vulnerable senior when you owe them a duty of care or assume custody over them. Neglect: Failure to provide a senior with food, shelter, health care, or protection if you’re responsible. Learn about the warning signs below. Red Flags to Watch out For Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, burns, and abrasions may indicate physical abuse. Sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, and withdrawal from regular activities may indicate emotional abuse. Bruises around the genital area may indicate sexual abuse. Threats, belittling, and other misuses of power by a spouse can indicate verbal and emotional abuse. Sudden changes in financial status may indicate financial exploitation. Unattended medical needs, bedsores, poor hygiene, and excessive weight loss may indicate neglect. Tense or strained relationships and constant arguments between an elderly person and their caregiver may indicate abuse. How Can I Intervene? If you suspect your parent or grandparent is being abused, remain alert because many people suffer in silence. Tell at least one person, such as a friend, doctor, or family member you trust. Furthermore, if you witness an elderly person being abused or neglected, don’t hesitate to escalate the situation to the authorities. Every senior abuse report is a snapshot of a significant problem. Unfortunately, many seniors are too afraid to report abuse. Some of them fear retaliation from their abuser; others prefer dealing with an abusive caretaker than not having one. Keep the following in mind: Don’t confront the abuser: This can endanger the elderly person. The only time you should confront an abuser is if the victim permits you. Make sure the elderly person can immediately move to a safer care center. Even if the elderly person rejects your help, continue checking in with them: Ask other loved ones to express their feelings of concern for the elderly person. A neutral party, such as a geriatric care manager, might have a better chance of consoling them. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Elder abuse can be debilitating, traumatizing, and lonely. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, a nursing home abuse lawyer from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help them receive damages for their suffering. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive proper compensation, respect, and kindness. We service Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.