In the present day and age, the prevalence of abuse of the elderly is seen to be on the increase. Perhaps this is the result of a growing disregard for the elderly, as the family unit continues to disintegrate and becomes smaller. Most elderly adults in America rely on hired caregivers or their loved ones to assist them in their everyday tasks including cleaning the house, paying bills, bathing, taking medication on time among others. It’s perhaps this over dependence and pressure of responsibility that overwhelms their caregivers and compels them to abuse. If you suspect that your loved one or an elderly neighbor is being abused and you would like to help, the following tips suggested by an elder lawyer Toms River can help you free them from their captivity box of abuse. Spot and Understand Elder Abuse Abuse for the elderly comes in many forms. It can be through abandonment or being neglected, financial abuse, physical, mental and even sexual abuse. The abuse can be an ongoing situation or a one-time occurrence both of which have a detrimental effect on the individual victim. Signs and symptoms of an elderly who has or is undergoing abuse include fear of being left alone, withdrawal, shuddering when touched and prolonged insomnia among others. For financial abuse you can check for missing money from the bank account and missing property documents. For physical or sexual abuse check out for bedsores or bruises on the victim. How to handle a suspected case of elder abuse The first step you can take when you suspect that your elderly parent is being abused is to consult an elder law attorney Toms River who will advise you on how to handle the suspect. If the suspect is a relative, you could report the issue to the police immediate so that they are restricted from being close to your elderly parent or relative. If instead it’s a hired caregiver, an elder lawyer Toms River will advise you to let them go immediately after informing the agency (if you hired them from one) and then you file a case against them. If you let the suspect stay any longer with the victim, they could potentially inflict more harm on them. Why it’s important to involve an elder law attorney in the case concerning an abuse of your elderly relative There is no excuse – absolutely none, for abusing an elderly person, relative or not. Cases of abuse should thus never be condoned and you can get help handling the case from an experienced elder law attorney Toms River. The lawyer will help you file for emergency court protection, and sometimes a restraining order to protect the victim from the relative suspect or hired helper.
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