Elder Abuse
In California, elders are defined as persons 65 years and older. Under California law, elder abuse can be both civil and criminal. Elder abuse is inexcusable and can have far-reaching implications for a victim and their loved ones. The more the public learns about elder abuse, the easier it is to detect and prevent it from happening. If you would like to discuss a specific incident. If you need an attorney contact ACTS LAW today at (833) ACTS-LAW or at info@actslaw.valordrafts.com.
What is Elder Abuse?
The Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610 defines elder abuse as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment resulting in harm, pain or mental suffering to an elder. It also means the deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering to the elder. These acts may be committed unintentionally, for example by a careless or negligent caregiver, or intentionally, in a knowing attempt to cause harm to the victim.
We Help Victims of Elder Abuse in Southern California
People throughout Southern California who believe and/or know that an elder loved one has been the victim of abuse are encouraged to turn to ACTS LAW for experienced representation.
We can help address the different types of elder abuse, including:
- Emotional Abuse: This form of abuse towards elders can come in the form of verbal mistreatment, such as constantly yelling at someone, the isolation of him or her in a room for long periods of time, bullying, making threats of physical harm or comments that are belittling, racist, or degrading. Emotional elder abuse can have a lasting detrimental impact on the well-being and health of elders.
- Physical Abuse: This form of abuse can be the result of direct physical contact, such as kicking or hitting, but is also often the result of negligence. The result of physical abuse may be bedsores from improper care, malnutrition, dehydration, broken bones, bruising and can be caused by assault, falls from improper supervision, and more.
- Financial Abuse: This form of abuse can be directed towards the acts of con artists. Oftentimes, they appear to come across as fairly legitimate, but they may drag victims into bad investments or other financial schemes. Cases may also involve theft of money or property, forging checks, or stealing.
How to Identify the Top Perpetrators
Elder abuse is typically committed by someone who is in a position of authority over an elderly person. These people include caregivers, hospice care, nursing homes, nurses and home health aides. Elder abuse may also be committed by people who are close to the elderly victim or have access to unsupervised care of him or her such as family members or friends. There are also reported cases of elder abuse committed by strangers. Caregivers are more likely to commit elder abuse if they are not well trained, depend financially upon the elder, and/or have substance abuse or mental health issues.
