No one wants to imagine their elderly loved one being mistreated, but elder abuse is a heartbreaking reality for many seniors. Whether it’s physical harm, financial exploitation, or neglect, abuse can happen in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even by family members or caregivers. If you suspect that someone you love is being mistreated, you are not alone—and you have the right to take action.
At Elderly Care Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting seniors and holding abusers accountable. We understand the legal options available and will work tirelessly to ensure your loved one is safe and receives the justice they deserve.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any harm, mistreatment, or neglect of a person over the age of 60. This abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even medical neglect. Sadly, many seniors do not report their abuse due to fear, confusion, or dependence on the very people mistreating them.
What Are the Most Common Types of Elder Abuse?
- Physical Abuse – Hitting, slapping, pushing, or using unnecessary restraints.
- Emotional Abuse – Insulting, yelling, threatening, or isolating the senior from family and friends.
- Financial Abuse – Stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing a senior into changing their will or bank accounts.
- Neglect – Failing to provide basic needs like food, water, medication, or medical care.
- Medical Abuse – Overmedicating or under-medicating a senior, leading to health complications.
How Common is Elder Abuse in Florida?
Florida has one of the largest elderly populations in the U.S., and unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing problem. According to the National Council on Aging:
- 1 in 10 seniors will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime.
- In nearly 60% of elder abuse cases, the abuser is a family member.
- Only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported.
What Are the Warning Signs of Elder Abuse?
Many seniors are unable or afraid to report abuse. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living, or receiving in-home care, watch for these red flags:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or broken bones
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or bedsores
- Depression, withdrawal, or sudden changes in personality
- Bills going unpaid or missing money from bank accounts
- Caregivers refusing to let you visit or talk to your loved one
What Should I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse?
If you believe your loved one is being abused, it’s important to act quickly. Elder abuse rarely stops on its own. Steps you can take include:
- Talking to your loved one in a safe and private setting.
- Reporting the abuse to Florida’s Adult Protective Services at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
- Documenting any signs of abuse (pictures, medical records, financial statements).
- Consulting an elder abuse attorney to explore legal options.
How Can an Elder Abuse Attorney Help?
At Elderly Care Law Firm, we fight to protect seniors and hold abusers accountable. Our legal team can:
- Investigate claims of abuse and gather evidence.
- File lawsuits against negligent caregivers, nursing homes, or financial exploiters.
- Recover stolen assets for seniors who have been financially exploited.
- Help remove a senior from an unsafe situation through emergency legal action.
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, do not wait. Call Elderly Care Law Firm at (305) 836-4697 today for a confidential consultation.