Elder Abuse Awareness Day is here to raise awareness of abuse in older people and highlight what signs you should look out for to keep your loved ones safe.
Shocking statistics show that elderly abuse happens more often than you might think, with around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older said to have experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation says that rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.
However, it is not just in healthcare settings where abuse occurs. Domestic abuse in the elderly is also prevalent behind closed doors, where relatives or friends exert control or power behind a façade of their caring duties.
Elderly abuse can take different forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial exploitation
However, it is said that domestic abuse in the elderly is the least reported age group – as in a lot of cases, the victim not realise they are being abused, especially if they have onset conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, or if they do not have the means to report the abuse.
With an ageing population – which is expected to grow, it is important to combat elderly abuse now and put actions into place to prevent this.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds people of what signs to look out for and what to do if you think an elderly person is being abused. We have rounded up the signs to look out for and what to do if you think you or a loved one is being abused.
Where does Elder Abuse occur
Elder Abuse can occur in both residential and community settings, as well as behind closed doors at home.
- Care homes
- Domestic settings
- Hospitals
- Community centres
- GP surgeries
How to spot the signs of Elder Abuse
- A loved one seems withdrawn, depressed or confused
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns and scars
- Lost weight
- Changes in spending habits
- Appears dirty, underfed or undermedicated
- Isolation from friends and family
- Preventable injuries such as pressure marks or sores
Types of Elder Abuse
Abuse can take different forms, and each can be just as damaging
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
I think myself or a loved one has been abused – What should I do?
If you think you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse, it is important to report it as it may be classed as a criminal offence.
Call 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.
Contact the local police if you think a crime has been committed or contact the local council if you think someone is at risk or is being abused.
Care homes and home carer abuse
Contact the local council if you’re concerned about:
- someone not being treated properly in a care home
- someone being mistreated by a carer
NHS hospital or clinic care
Contact the manager of the hospital or clinic if you’re worried about someone.
Claiming compensation for abuse
If you believe yourself or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the damages.
Contact Oakwood Solicitors today for a free consultation, and we will advise you on the best way to pursue your claim.
Our team has experience in dealing with these types of claims and can guide you through your case in a sensitive manner. If it is preferable to you, we can assign you one of our female advisors to carry out your claim.
Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
Further reading
Elderly and care home abuse – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department.
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