Austin Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Common Types of Elderly Abuse

The American Psychological Association (APA) has identified seven types of elderly abuse that occur most often. The variance of abuse can often depend on who the perpetrator is.

Each of the different types of elder abuse is broken down below:

• Physical – Intentionally striking or enacting harm upon an elderly person
• Sexual – Unwanted contact of a sexual nature is not common, but it does happen
• Neglect – This is the most prevalent type of abuse; employees of nursing and assisted living homes have an obligation to residents—the refusal or failure to commit to that obligation is neglect
• Emotional – Degrading and disrespectful treatment of an elderly person through verbal and nonverbal acts
• Financial – This type of abuse robs senior citizens of an estimated $2.6 billion annually
• Abandonment – The desertion of an elderly person by someone responsible for their well-being
• Self-Neglect – An elderly person may exhibit behaviors that threaten their own health

What makes an elderly person susceptible to abuse? As most would guess, an elderly person may be prone to Alzheimer’s, confusion, or general forgetfulness. The fragile state of their mental and physical strength is what most often makes them prone to abuse. If they have suffered some other form of abuse earlier in their life—such as domestic violence by a spouse—this makes them more susceptible as well.

How Can I Tell the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

Sometimes, signs of abuse—even physical ones—will be covered up by the perpetrator or the victim will be forced to lie. Knowing what to look for if you suspect abuse can help stop the problem before it persists.

Some of the common signs of nursing home neglect or abuse include:

• Bruises, cuts, scrapes, and bandages whose presence may very well go unexplained are something to keep an eye on. It’s possible for an elderly person to bump into a table, bruise, and not remember it. But if they are constant or you see new ones every time, then abuse may be happening.
• Change in usual mood can be difficult to notice because the change is typically gradual. Be on the lookout for depression, anger, sleep disruption, or loss of appetite. Anything that strays from their normal behavior.
• Financial distress is challenging to catch before it’s too late, especially if your access to their statements is limited or nonexistent. This applies more closely to family members providing for themselves more so than ones in a home, but if you notice or hear signs of financial distress—unpaid bills, sudden trouble affording groceries, or a lot of newly purchased items—it’s wise to ask if there’s trouble.

No one wants to feel like a snoop, and it may be easy to dismiss a person’s mood as something they may just be feeling that day, but if issues remain consistent, you have to do what’s necessary to protect your family member’s safety.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse?

This can be a tricky situation. In order to build a case, there must be evidence against the perpetrator. If the victim is your family member, concrete evidence may be slim before you decide to act. There are times when you should follow a certain protocol, and there are times when you need to take immediate action.

If your elderly family member is residing in a home and there are physical injuries or you suspect that they may be in danger, call the police immediately. Otherwise, you can call Adult Protective Services (APS) or use the Eldercare Locator to find all the numbers you may need.

Knowing what to say when you call these authorities and what to expect afterward is important. Some of the questions you may have to answer include:

• Are there any known medical problems (that were present before the suspected abuse)?
• What is your family situation like? Does your elderly family member have a large support system?
• Have you personally seen or heard the actions of abuse, whatever they were?

This is in addition to the personal information you’ll have to provide including the name, address, and contact information of yourself and the elderly.

After you speak with the authorities, a caseworker from Adult Protective Services will be assigned to conduct an investigation within 24-72 hours, depending on the severity of the allegations. APS will do whatever is necessary to protect the health and safety of the elderly person by providing assistance based on medical necessity, psychological evaluation, or relocation services.

Resources in Austin for Elder Abuse Prevention & Support

Several local resources are available in Austin to address and prevent elder abuse, providing crucial support and information for residents and their families. One such organization is the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, which offers many services to protect elderly citizens. This agency provides education on elder rights, support groups for caregivers, and assistance with long-term care planning to ensure informed decision-making.

Additionally, the Austin Police Department has a dedicated Elder Abuse Unit that works closely with community organizations to investigate and prevent elder abuse. This unit is trained to handle sensitive elder abuse cases with the necessary diligence and care, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. Austin's Senior Access program also provides services and volunteer opportunities, fostering community involvement and reducing isolation, one of the contributing factors to elder abuse. These resources, among others, are integral in creating a safe and supportive environment for the elderly, enhancing community awareness, and fostering proactive approaches to prevent abuse.