The Alzheimer’s Association lists possible signs of elder abuse in seniors with dementia. They include:
- Evidence of physical mistreatment, such as bruises and cuts
- More severe injuries such as bone fractures
- Social withdrawal by the victim
- Apparent tension or disagreements between the victim and their caregiver
An elderly abuse victim with dementia may display other signs of abuse. If your loved one is living or lived in an assisted living facility and shows possible signs of abuse, then you may call a lawyer’s team today for advice.
Elders with Dementia May Be at High Risk
The journal Health Affairs explains that those with dementia may experience a higher risk of abuse. It found that as many as 23% of older adults with dementia may experience physical abuse, while as many as 62% of older adults may experience some form of psychological abuse.
Caring for someone with dementia is not always easy. Caregivers who do not have the patience or empathy necessary to care for your loved one may become frustrated or even abusive.
As the loved one of someone with dementia, you may be advised to know the signs of mistreatment. If you spot them, then you may call the team for a lawyer to find out how professionals may investigate possible abuse.
Possible Signs of Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Caregivers may first resort to psychological or emotional abuse of your loved one when they become frustrated. They may not view these forms of abuse in as serious of a light as they would physical abuse, but these types of mistreatment are very serious.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) lists some signs of psychological and emotional abuse in the elderly. Signs of elder abuse in seniors with dementia may include:
- Abnormal signs of agitation
- Being less communicative with you and others
- Statements by your loved one that indicate they are being mistreated
- Strange behavior that could indicate anxiety or fear
If you notice any changes in your loved one that concern you, then you may want to investigate whether they are symptoms of psychological or emotional abuse.
Signs of Sexual and Physical Abuse
Those who would abuse the elderly may see those with dementia as logical targets for mistreatment. They may think that your loved one will not be able to articulate their abuse, or they will not remember their abuse or the identity of their abuser.
Some abusers may go so far as to sexually abuse your loved one or abuse them in other physical ways. Some signs of physical abuse can include:
- Burns
- Deep or surface-level cuts
- Bruises and other indicators of physical trauma
- Bruises or bleeding around the genitals
Your loved one may show signs of fear, particularly when you attempt to touch them. This could be an indication that they are used to receiving physical strikes or other forms of physical harm from an abuser.
Abuse may go hand-in-hand with other forms of mistreatment, such as neglect. Neglect can include caregivers failing to bathe your loved one, failing to help them with eating and the use of medications, and falling short of other duties as a caregiver.
A Lawyer Will Analyze Your Loved One’s Situation
Suspicions of abuse or other types of mistreatment call for a thorough investigation. A lawyer can work with professional investigators, medical professionals, and others to find out the facts regarding your loved one’s living situation.
They will aim to find out:
- Whether your loved one has received basic care in their assisted living facility
- Whether your loved one suffered abuse
- Whether your loved one has physical or psychological injuries because of mistreatment
- Who may be responsible for your loved one’s mistreatment
When necessary, a lawyer will file a lawsuit against any parties who are liable for your loved one’s abuse. Your loved one’s lawyer and their team will protect your loved one from a legal standpoint and will also help you find a safe location for your loved one to live.
A lawsuit generally requires a lawyer to complete paperwork, interview witnesses, gather evidence, communicate with participants in the legal process, and negotiate a settlement. Having a lawyer means that you will not have to worry about any of these responsibilities.
Your lawyer will seek an amount of compensation that reflects the harm that your loved one has suffered. Awards for your loved one could include both economic losses such as medical costs and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 223-5115
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Our team does not shy away from tough cases. You will not pay anything out of your own pocket for our services, either, as we only receive payment if we obtain compensation for your loved one.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 to complete a free consultation about pursuing justice for your loved one with dementia.
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