Unfortunately, millions of Americans are victims of elder abuse right here in the United States every single year. This abuse is oftentimes at the hands of relatives, friends, caretakers, scam artists, and other supposedly ‘trusted’ people. However, less than 20 percent of all elder abuse cases are reported to the authorities. Recent research indicates that during the last year, there were almost 4,000 confirmed cases of elder abuse in Central Texas alone. In October, there were 1,200 cases in Texas. These are shocking statistics that highlight the importance of raising awareness about this growing problem. While many cases of elder abuse happen in assisted living facilities and in the home of the victim, we are also seeing a rise in the number of abuse cases involving low-income adults.
During the summer of 2013, Houston police found three extremely malnourished elderly men who had been locked in an unkempt garage for at least a year. While the men were living in unbearable and disgusting conditions, their captor was cashing their public assistance checks. Just a few days after being freed, one of the men died. Even though Texas does have laws in place to regulate nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential group homes, boarding homes and shelters remain unregulated. As experienced McKinney elder abuse attorneys, we are prepared to represent you and ensure justice is served. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable, but these types of cases strike a particular chord because they involve our beloved elderly.
Understanding Elder Abuse
America’s elderly have become the fastest-growing group of the population. Many of our elderly must rely on nursing homes and other long-term medical facilities in order to receive adequate care and companionship. In recent years, we have found that a growing number of nursing homes violate regulations and are not providing residents with the care and attention they deserve. In fact, elder abuse is becoming more and more common in many parts of the country, including Texas.
Elder abuse is a broad subject that is represented by many different acts and actions. It can be physical, financial, sexual, or mental. Recent statistics indicate that between one and two million elderly Americans over the age of 65 have been neglected, abused, or mistreated by someone they depended on for care, protection, and companionship. Nursing home neglect typically falls under one of the following categories:
- Failure to assist in personal hygiene
- Failure to provide food, clothing, and shelter
- Failure to provide necessary medical care
- Failure to prevent slips and falls
- Failure to prevent malnutrition and dehydration
In order to stop elder abuse and nursing home neglect, we must raise awareness about this growing problem and band together to stop abusers in their tracks. Some of the most common signs of elder abuse include the following:
- A caregiver who isolates the senior from loved ones and the outside world
- A drastic change in appearance
- Absence of food, water, or ventilation
- Absence of dentures, glasses, hearing aids, walkers, or wheelchairs
- Animal or insect infestations
- Bedsores, skin rashes, infections, or soiled bandages
- Excessive and sudden weight loss
- Emotional distress
- Fear of the caregiver
- Unexplained bank withdrawals
- Poor personal hygiene
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in Texas, please contact Wormington & Bollinger today. Our knowledgeable McKinney elder abuse attorneys understand how devastating these types of cases can be and are here to fight for your rights and ensure justice is served.