Advocai LLP often receives inquiries from new clients regarding elder abuse. We are here to shed light on important signs to watch out for in such cases.
Elder abuse can occur anywhere, including at home, in a retirement home, in a hospital or in a long-term care home. There are different types of abuse including, financial, physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. In many situations, more than one type of abuse occurs at the same time and the perpetrator is someone that the older adult knows, including a family member, neighbour, or staff at a care facility.
Signs of Elder Abuse
In some cases, the older adult may not tell you that they are being abused, so below are some warning signs to look for:
- Isolation or or withdrawal from family and friends
- Recent changes in banking or spending patterns
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Signs of neglect, such as a lack of food, dehydration, weight loss, a decline in personal hygiene
- Changes in mood or behaviour, including depression or fear
Steps To Take
It may be difficult to determine whether elder abuse is taking place even if some of the warning signs are present. If you are not sure, it may be appropriate to speak with the suspected individuals involved about your concerns and to ask questions.
If you have immediate concerns related to an older adult’s safety, you should do the following:
- Contact the police
- If the older adult lives in a long-term care home or retirement home, you have a legal duty to report the abuse to the Ministry of Long-Term Care
- Consult a lawyer for legal advice and prevention strategies
Advocai is dedicated to assisting elderly clients and their families in obtaining the compensation they rightfully deserve. With our deep understanding of the care standards mandated in Ontario in long-term care homes and expertise in personal injury law, we guarantee prompt and thorough handling of your case. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
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