Elder abuse in California is no laughing matter

February 15, 2013 (Press-News.org) Elder abuse in California is no laughing matter

Article provided by The Law Office of Kevin P. Kane, Esq.
Visit us at http://www.kevinpkane.com

Elder care abuse is a serious issue in California that can manifest as both physical and financial harm. An experienced attorney can help create a plan that will minimize the risk of harm and can fight for damages if the harm has already occurred.

What are the warning signs?

Elder abuse is an umbrella term for a whole host of different reproachable behavior. That said, there are some warning signs that can alert someone to the fact that abuse is taking place. These include physical injuries such as inexplicable bruises and welts, as well as more severe injuries like fractures, abrasions or lacerations. There are also mental and emotional indicators, such as a marked display of low self-esteem or a sudden loss in self-determination or even the will to live. Everything from fear, to depression, to a perception of self-isolation could be a symptom of elder abuse, and as a result it is important to pay attention to elders to make sure they are being treated well.

Abuse can be financial as well as physical

As mentioned above, elder abuse comes in many forms, one of which is financial abuse. When property disappears, or mysterious charges to credit cards or loans in an elder's name suddenly show up, these are telltale signs. A particularly concerning situation often arises where an elderly person with more than enough resources to get by is found living in a state of near squalor, which usually indicates that someone else, potentially a caretaker, is siphoning off much of that elderly person's weekly finances.

More clandestine forms of elder abuse can occur in the financial context as well, such as changes to major assets owned by the elder, or receipt of successive and curiously high bills. Again, the best way to detect these exigencies is to pay attention to the elderly person, and to make sure none of these things are taking place.

How an elder abuse attorney can help

Attorneys are often called into the picture when abuse has already taken place. An attorney can often provide a vehicle for restitution where the elderly person has been wronged. That said, it is also advisable to take a proactive approach to prevent elder abuse. An attorney experienced in these issues will have a number of important suggestions designed to plan out a more desirable environment for the elderly person, one that minimizes the risk of abuse. Consult with an experienced professional to learn more about such strategies.