Elder Abuse in California: Fight the Crime

Elder abuse can take many forms, and it isn't limited to nursing home abuse. All too often, home care givers or even family members are to blame in cases of elder abuse. Though this is a very disturbing trend, it must nevertheless be understood and dealt with so that the ill-effects of it can be minimized and contained. Typically, elder abuse takes the form of physical abuse, psychological and mental abuse, financial abuse, neglect, abandonment, abduction, and isolation. These problems can be hard to pinpoint because the most vulnerable elderly may be unable to communicate about what is happening to them; they may be unable to talk because of a stroke, immobile, or kept isolated by caregivers.

At Demas & Rosenthal, we specialize in handling elder abuse cases in California. We have years of experience helping elders and their families recover from the physical and emotional damages brought about by such abuse.

A Discouraging Scenario

Recently, the instances of elder abuse in California have risen by as many as twenty-three percent, reason enough to be alarmed about the likelihood of elder abuse happening to you or to a loved one. In fact, in pure numbers these cases account for as many as ninety-three thousand plus in the year 2005-6, more than the seventy-five thousand plus cases reported in 2000-1. Worse, more than two-thirds of the cases of elder abuse involved abuse by the elder’s own family members. Elder abuse by family members can include the same types of abuse that appear in long-term care facilities, with the added problem of financial control and abuse.

California is home to more than three and a half million elders who are aged sixty-five and above. This population is expected to grow to almost double by the year 2018 ; and thus there is every likelihood that the instances of elder abuse in California will continue to grow even further unless strict and timely action is taken to prevent such increase.

If you are concerned about elder abuse in California, you certainly will need to learn how to prevent and report such elder abuse. Finding a good nursing home will only become more competitive, as it is believed forty-three percent of all elderly people aged sixty-five and above are living in nursing homes now. Furthermore, because the seniors’ population in California will double in the next two decades, Californian elders will need to find suitable nursing home facilities more than ever. The year 2003 saw the California Attorney General’s Office initiate a 3-year statewide campaign called “Face It – It’s a Crime” that was meant to educate Californians about the consequences of elder abuse in the state and how to recognize such cases and then report it. Hopefully, the need will not arise in your case but if it does, then you should become well informed and well equipped to do something positive about it by becoming acquainted with this and other relevant campaigns on elder abuse.

If, despite your best efforts to find a good nursing home placement or family caregiver, your loved one suffers from abuse, it's a good idea to contact an experienced elder abuse attorney at Demas & Rosenthal to help you with your case. Call today for an initial consultation.