Certainly, we’d all like to think that those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities receive the care they need. We’d loathe suspect that personnel or even other residents might put a loved one’s safety or general well being at risk. Unfortunately, though, elder abuse—whether in the form of outright intentional abuse or simply neglect—does exist. The National Center for Elder Abuse published The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study in 1996 that indicates some half a million incidences of elder abuse occur in the US each year. Given this decade and a half old data, and given the number of baby boomers now reaching the age of 65 or older, one might easily start to wonder whether the number of elder abuse incidences has increased since 1996.
Despite any potential trend toward increasing incidence of elder abuse, one should not immediately jump to the conclusion that personnel at your loved one’s assisted living facility aren’t providing your loved one with proper care. An accusation such as this carries consequences with it, and making such a claim can negatively impact any existing relationship you and your loved one have with these personnel. While you may suspect an abusive situation, you should take pains to investigate before you inadvertently sour the relationship you have with the staff at an assisted living facility—after all, moving to a new facility can be stressful for both you and your loved one.
One way of ensuring you haven’t misperceived a situation or ensuring you don’t make any false accusations is to discuss your concerns with a qualified Ohio elder law attorney. By speaking with an elder law attorney, you give yourself a chance to familiarize yourself, through the experience of a professional, with some of the common signs of elder abuse. If you suspect your loved one has become victim to an abusive situation, then you should schedule an appointment with an elder law attorney right away.
