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What Causes Some Caretakers to Abuse Their Elderly Charges?

Sophia Soraya

August 21, 2024

In the United States, elder abuse is a troubling issue that has remained in the shadows. Startlingly, studies indicate that approximately 1 in 10 people over 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse. This abuse often occurs at the hands of those entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable population. Let’s see what causes some caretakers to abuse their elderly charges.

If you or a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, it’s crucial to know that you have legal options. Engage an elder abuse lawyer from a reputable New Jersey law firm to help you determine your options and take the right steps to seek justice.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is a term that features a range of harmful behaviors directed at older adults, often by individuals in positions of trust. These may include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as abandonment, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and neglect.

Physical abuse involves the infliction of bodily harm, while emotional abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, and other actions that cause psychological distress. Financial exploitation denotes illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets.

In some cases, elder abuse has taken the form of sexual abuse. This involves a caretaker engaging in non-consensual sexual contact with the elder.

Neglect, on the other hand, is the failure to provide necessary care, leading to harm or distress. In some cases, self-neglect has also been reported, where the elders are unable to perform essential self-care tasks due to diminished physical or mental capacity.

Lastly, elder abuse may manifest in the form of abandonment. This happens when the caretaker abandons the elder. This means the elder will not enjoy the care the caretaker assumes responsibility for.

What Do Caretakers Do?

Caretakers are very key in the lives of elderly individuals due to the essential support and care they offer. They may assist with daily activities such as:

  • Managing medications
  • Offering companionship and emotional support
  • Help with personal hygiene
  • Monitoring the safety of the elderly
  • Assisting with mobility
  • Monitoring their health
  • Food preparations and feeding

Most caretakers are compassionate professionals or family members who perform their duties with dedication. However, some may exploit their position of trust through acts of abuse.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse

Often, victims of elder abuse may hide their experiences or be unwilling to report them. This makes it somewhat challenging to know when an elder is experiencing abuse.

However, there are common indicators to look out for, including:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Changes in behavior or mood
  • Withdrawal from social interactions
  • Sudden financial difficulties
  • Bedsores
  • Poor hygiene
  • Controlling caretaker behavior
  • Unexplained vaginal/anal bleeding
  • Unexplained fear and anxiety in the presence of their caretakers
  • Unexplained cash withdrawals from the elder’s bank accounts

Relatives of the elders placed under the care of caretakers need to be able to tell the signs of elder abuse. This would allow them to recognize abuse quickly and take appropriate action.

What Causes Some Caretakers to Abuse Their Elderly Charges?

There are several reasons behind elder abuse by caretakers. It can be hard to take care of an older adult whose needs increase by the day. The prevalent infirmities and high demand for dependency create a high likelihood of abuse. However, there is no excuse for caretakers harming anyone due to frustrations.

Some common reasons for elder abuse by caretakers include:

  • Stress and burnout, particularly for those who may not have adequate support or resources.
  • Financial motives, especially when caretakers have access to an older adult’s assets or finances.
  • Inadequate training or understanding of the needs of elderly individuals.
  • Substance abuse or mental health disorders may contribute to abusive actions.

How To Prevent Abuse?

Some of the elder abuse cases can be prevented with a proactive approach. Here are ways that can help reduce abuse cases:

  • Education and training for caretakers.
  • Families should be involved in the care process to monitor the quality of care provided.
  • Legal and institutional safeguards, such as background checks and regular oversight.
  • Encouraging open and honest communication where concerns can be addressed before they escalate into abuse.
  • Look out for the warning signs of abuse and report it immediately.

How Can a NJ Personal Injury Attorney Help You?

If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, you need to seek legal assistance in addressing the situation. An elder abuse lawyer will evaluate your case and guide you accordingly.

Importantly, your lawyer will help you understand your rights and options. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our team of personal injury attorneys will tap into every possible resource to build a winning claim.

Also, we understand the emotional toll that comes with elder abuse cases by their caretakers. Your lawyer will offer compassionate support in advocating on your behalf. We will determine the cause of the abuse. If it was a case of negligence, we work to hold the abuser accountable to secure appropriate compensation and care.

Contact us today for free for more information.

Sophia Soraya

Sophia Soraya is a seasoned attorney specializing in complex civil matters, with a focus on personal injury, professional malpractice, and product liability cases across New York and New Jersey. Sophia is a Partner with the Firm and has been selected as a Super Lawyers, Rising Star for consecutive years.

University: J.D. New England Law (Boston)

Bar Number: 000402013

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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