Nursing Home Abuse

Older people today are more active and independent than ever before. They enjoy greater longevity and better health. But with the over 55 population growing, so does the hidden problems of elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Elder abuse is the infliction of physical, emotional, or psychological harm on an older adult. It can take the form of financial exploitation or intentional or unintentional neglect of an older adult by a caregiver. Some of the more common forms of abuse include:

• Physical abuse (bruises, unexplained injuries, chronic health problems, refusing treatment for injuries, signs of neglect, sunken eyes, loss of weight, extreme thirst, and bed sores)
  
• Sexual abuse
  
• Emotional or psychological abuse can consists of showing no interest in social contact, being fearful or suspicious, name-calling, the "silent treatment", intimidation and threats)
  
• Financial exploitation (misuse of funds, fraud, forgery, taking money under false pretenses, forced property transfers, denying the person access to funds or home, and embezzlement.)
  

Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of some form of abuse and neglect. Experts estimate that for every case of reported elder abuse and neglect there may be as many as five cases that are not reported.

• Most incidents of elder abuse do not occur in nursing homes.
  
• Most abuse and neglect take place in the homes of spouses, children, siblings or other relatives.
  
• Elder abuse can be a continuation of long-standing patterns of abuse within the family.
  
• Elder abuse can be related to changes in living situations and relationships brought about by the older person’s dependence on others for basic needs.
  
• Even elders who are not ill, frail, disabled, or depressed can find themselves in abusive situations and relationships.
  

Elder abuse and neglect has its roots in many family, caregiver and cultural issues including:

• Family stress brought on by lack of financial and emotional support.
  
• Social isolation of the older person and the caregiver.
  
• Dependency
  
• Financial burdens
  
• Emotional and/or psychological problems of the caregiver.
  

Societal attitudes, the lack of respect for older adults and society’s belief that what goes on in the home is a private, "family matter" can make it easier for abuse to occur without detection or intervention. Language can become a barrier in the detection of abuse and neglect. Definitions of “abuse” can vary across cultural and ethnic communities.

Every person—no matter how young or how old—deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or come in day-to-day contact with them. If you or someone you know has suffered from elder abuse, it is important to speak with an attorney familiar with Missouri & Kansas law.

At the Law Offices of Barry R. Grissom, you can rest assured that we will work hard to protect your interests.

Below is a list of useful links and addresses for information concerning the elderly:

National Center on Elder Abuse

Senior Site

Guide to Retirement Living

Administration on Aging