Do you fear an elder in your life, or you, yourself, may be a victim of elder abuse? The Riverside County attorneys at Preston Law Group explain how to identify and spot elder abuse and what you can do about it to stop it and seek justice.
Riverside County’s population is aging, and there is no hiding from it. This trend has been fueled in part by the demographic shift towards smaller families but also by the tide of Americans retiring from across the state and country to southern California for its friendly climate. Now just elders living by themselves make up nearly 10% of households in the county.
This situation leaves many older residents vulnerable, and elder abuse is an increasingly prevalent problem in Riverside County (especially as families and caregivers learn what signs to look out for). Fortunately, the law protects senior citizens, and law enforcement can step in and stop abuse when it is reported to protect elders whenever they can.
One thing district attorneys and Riverside criminal court judges cannot do, however, is get compensation paid by those who have committed elder abuse. Financial compensation which may been needed to cover ongoing medical costs, losses, harms, and even the emotional toll on the vulnerable elder and their family. But a civil lawsuit can, and that is where elder abuse lawyers can help.
Under the law, elder abuse can happen in two principal ways: criminal abuse and civil abuse.
Indeed, most instances of elder abuse are, tragically, caused by people in whose care the senior’s life, health, or financials are trusted.
Our oldest citizens are much like our youngest. Many cannot fully or even partially care for themselves, and that means that others need to help them with it. There is no shame in this, but there is vulnerability and money involved, so it should come as no surprise that some take advantage of this power or fail in their responsibilities to care for the elderly.
Some elder abusers are relatives; some of them may not even be intentionally causing harm but end up doing so by neglect, overwork, or a lack of understanding of the needs of their senior relative. This can also happen in elder care facilities, though given the professional and medical nature of such institutions, far higher standards are imposed. Though tragically, they are not always met.
Finally, of course, some elder abusers know exactly what they are doing and why. Whether out of sadism, a craving for power, or pure mercantile greed, they knowingly inflict harm or cause it to elders. These could also be a loved one but are more likely to be staff or managers at assisted living facilities or residential care program staff.
This is not to say that all or even many such individuals are guilty, the vast vast majority are not, but that makes it easier for those who are to get away with it. And all the more important for you to keep an eye out for signs of abuse.
The first step to fighting against elder abuse is recognizing it, but that is not always easy. Sometimes, abuse will leave tangible physical signs such as unexplained injuries or weight loss. More often, however, the symptoms may not be physical in nature, and you will need to look out for behavioral patterns, such as increasing anxiety, fearfulness, drastic mood changes, confusion, depression, or withdrawal.
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can be caused by other factors affecting aging citizens in Riverside County, including aging itself. However, if a pattern emerges, or if those responsible for the elder’s care are evasive, dismissive, or deceitful about the causes and circumstances, then you may want to consider reporting the situation.
If you believe that you, an elderly loved one, or an elder in your care may be the victim of elder abuse, you can, should, and in many cases, legally must report it to the proper authorities. In Riverside County, that means reaching out to Adult Protective Services for the County. Like child services, which watch over the care of children, these agencies will help supervise elder care and step in when necessary to fix a problem or persecute any abusers.
Whether or not they intervene, you may also want to reach out to a lawyer.
If you have already contacted Adult Protective Services, that is great. They can often do a lot to help prevent and stop elder abuse. Unfortunately, they are not always able to act or can be fooled or defeated in court. If the situation is dire, or the justice system says it cannot or has failed to intervene, a lawyer may be able to help.
More often, however, you will be calling an elder abuse lawyer not for intervention but for compensation. The justice system can do very little to undo the harm caused by elder abuse, either to you or to your loved one, but a lawsuit against those responsible can make them pay for it.
Not only may we be able to help get them to pay compensation for the harm, neglect, injury, suffering and loss their negligent or criminal behavior caused, but by doing so, you will be ensuring they are held accountable for their actions. This will help prevent future incidents from them, or anyone else in their position, as they see the costs involved.
Time is ticking however, as evidence fades, staff move on, and statutes of limitations expire, not to mention our elders are not getting any younger.
Preston Law Group P.C. | Serving families in Riverside County and proudly protecting legacies and elders from abuse and greed.
Have you noticed something off about a senior in your life after a change in their care? Is their caregiver or institution avoiding questions, lying to you, or making things worse? Contact protective services, and then call us now at (949) 993-0639 while there is still time to make a difference.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse in Riverside County, our team of attorneys will see that you hold those responsible accountable for the harm they have caused and help ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
For help, or any questions you may have, you can contact our team online or call us directly.
