What Are Common Forms of Elder Abuse?

Our team at DeMore Law Firm, PLLC, is here to represent the most vulnerable members of your family. If you or your family member is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect in New York, contact our team today for a free consultation and learn what we can do for you.

Conditions at assisted living institutions, elder care facilities, retirement homes, hospice establishments and nursing homes fall under state and federal laws, but sometimes abuse slips under the radar until it is too late. Here are examples of common types of abuse:

• Psychological abuse – Many are unaware that psychological abuse is the most commonly reported form of elder abuse among staff and patrons alike.
• Physical abuse – Physical abuse is not always obvious to loved ones as older people tend to bruise easily and acquire injuries on their own, so it is important to know the signs that this may be a result of nursing home abuse. Some may attempt to hide their abuse, and others may not have the mental ability to speak up about it, so it is important to check in on your loved ones in nursing homes.
• Financial abuse/exploitation – Any form of illegal or improper use of a resident’s money, property or other resources are in this category. This can be as simple as petty theft, as well as serious misappropriation/misuse, or fraud. A common form of this abuse is seen in fraudulent/stolen checks as a means to steal money from the elderly patrons.
• Nursing home neglect – The failure or even refusal to provide their resident(s) with the basic life necessities such as food, water, shelter, medicine, safety, clean clothing, proper hygiene, adequate comfort or other agreed-upon services.
• Elderly sexual abuse – While it is one of the most heinous forms of elder abuse, it is one of the least common, but it does happen. Many victims may be afraid or not know how to speak up and in some cases, simply not remember the abuse.

Is Your Loved One A Victim Of Abuse? Take Action.

Here are a few suggestions for next steps depending on their situation and type of abuse:

• If they are in immediate danger of further harm, you should work with them to make arrangements to transfer to a different facility.
  • Keep notes of the alleged abuse, including the resident’s accounts of when it occurs. It is important to keep photos of any physical evidence such as bruises, poor living conditions, maintenance hazards, etc.
  • File a complaint with the NYS Department of Health and they will investigate your complaint.

Find an attorney you can trust to be at their side with you. Contact us at DeMore Law Firm, PLLC, by calling 315-413-7000. We can help you by investigating, gathering evidence and identifying the responsible parties.

Are You Suffering Abuse?

If you are a victim of previous or ongoing nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact us when it is safe for you to do so. We will talk with you confidentially and help you with the next steps during this difficult ordeal. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911 and then contact the NYS Department of Health. The Nursing Home Complaint hotline (888-201-4563) is available Monday – Friday from 8:30am-4:45pm, voicemails can be left 24/7.