Elder Abuse in Florida and nationally is a topic that most people don’t want to talk about. It is, however, a subject that most people need to be aware of if they have parents or relatives in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Many sons and daughters of seniors have found themselves in the “sandwich generation” where they are raising their own children and have parents that are aging and need help. Some of the “Baby Boomers” still need to help their aging parents as well.
Tough decisions must be made if a parent is not well and can’t take care of themselves. If moving your parent into a nursing home or long-term care facility in South Florida was your answer, then there are things to look for to make sure no elder abuse occurring.
Types of Elder Abuse
Abuse of elders can involve several different things. They include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Financial
- Healthcare fraud
It may take several visits to the nursing home in South Florida before you realize that something is very wrong.
The most important thing you can do is observe the surroundings of the facility and condition of your loved one physically, emotionally and mentally.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse in South Florida and Other Areas Include:
- General changes in the elder’s personality or behavior
- Extreme agitation with the caregiver
Physical Abuse
- Unexplainable injuries such as bruises, scars, welts
- Broken bones, dislocations or sprains
- Rope marks on wrists indicating restraint
Emotional Abuse
- Caregiver that bullies, threatens or belittles the patient
- Signs of dementia such as rocking, or mumbling to themselves.
Sexual Abuse
- Torn, stained or underclothing has blood
- Vaginal or anal bleeding that is unexplained
- Bruises on breast or genitals
- Venereal disease
Neglect
- Weight loss that is unexplainable
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Bed sores or other physical problems left untreated
- Unsanitary and unsafe living conditions
Financial
- Money is missing from accounts
- Valuables missing
- Financial activity that the senior could not have done
- Change in wills and paperwork involving title changes or additions
Healthcare Fraud
Medical services, devices and equipment having duplicate billings
Intervention
When your loved one tells you of anything suspicious that indicates there is abuse happening, pay attention. It can mean a matter of life or death. If your loved one is not able to communicate, then you MUST make your own observations.
If you or your loved one is experiencing elder abuse in South Florida, contact David Benenfeld to schedule a free appointment. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Florida can assist you with the removal of your loved one from the nursing home or long-term care facility and set an investigation in motion.
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