Oakland Elder Abuse Attorney
Elder Neglect and Abuse
The elderly community is growing ever larger, due to the "baby boomer" generation moving into the age of retirement. Many individuals have placed their parents in nursing home care, or with a home care worker in order to provide the medical and personal care that they need. One expects that the family member will be treated with compassion and kindness, and that they will be receiving quality care as they deserve. Unfortunately, many of the elderly become subject to elder abuse, whether in a nursing home, from a family member, financial advisor or in-home care worker. The abuse can take a variety of forms, including physical abuse, financial abuse and emotional abuse. Some elderly individuals are confused or have some form of dementia, which makes them easy prey for those who wish to take advantage of them financially. Any such case deserves the assistance of an Oakland personal injury attorney to take legal action against the abuser.
Elder Abuse in Alameda County
When elder abuse is suspected, it is important that the situation is reported to law enforcement immediately. Elder abuse is illegal, and every action must be taken to protect your loved family member from continued abuse. In cases in which another family member is taking advantage of the elderly with emotional abuse, neglect or financial abuse, this becomes a difficult situation; no one wants to cause trouble within the family. However, in order to protect the elderly, one must set aside their concerns and report the incident. Some elderly people have lost their entire estate after being taken advantage of by another family member.
Some of the obvious signs of elder abuse include the following symptoms:
- Bruising
- Lack of hygiene - dirty or greasy hair, clothing
- Bedsores, pressure sores
- Dirty or messy environment
- Dehydration (flaky skin, dry lips)
- Malnourishment (underweight)
- Bad odors
- Withdrawn
- Depressed
- Appearance of being over-medicated
- Flinching or appearance of fear
- Family member being isolated from other family
- Bank account being depleted or large withdrawals
Elder abuse is an extremely serious matter and should be acted on quickly. Many elderly individuals have lost their lives due to neglect, malnourishment or overmedication. This can occur in nursing homes or through the neglect of a home care worker or family member. Whatever the cause, it is crucial to have legal representation from the Law Offices of David R. Silva to assist you in the legal action that is necessary to halt the abuse, possibly to freeze bank accounts that are being accessed to the detriment of the elderly and their heirs, and other actions that will protect the elderly loved one from further abuse.
Contact an Oakland elder abuse attorney
from the Law Offices of David R. Silva and protect the rights of the elderly through legal action.
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