Abuse Of The Elderly And Infirmed

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Of the many different types of abuse that receive media attention child abuse ranks amongst the highest. Child abuse certainly deserves the attention it gets but many other prevalent types of abuse go overlooked as a result. Abuse of the elderly for example is extremely common yet it is rarely talked about in great detail if at all.

Reprehensible Acts Against Senior Citizens

There are a great deal of different types of abuse elderly and sick persons are subjected to. It's important to recognize each type in order to intervene on behalf of those who are physically or mentally unable to do so.

Physical And Sexual Abuse - Children are not the only people who become victims of physical and sexual abuse. These crimes are committed against the elderly and the infirmed with far greater frequency than they should be. Caregivers and family should pay close attention to not only the physical marks left behind by these types of abuse but should take care not to dismiss complaints from the elderly as a product of old age or senility.

Neglect - Neglectful behavior towards the elderly and sick by those whom care for them is an all too common tale. Moreover the greater the care required, the easier it is for unscrupulous persons to neglect them. Elderly neglect can involve something as simple as failing to administer medication and much more serious acts such as leaving them unfed, cleaned, or even allowing them to remain in soiled bedding, clothing, or diapers. Purposefully ignoring the needs of people whom can not care for themselves is a criminal act and perpetrators should be held accountable.

Abandonment - Similar to neglect but far worse, abandonment of the elderly more or less involves purposefully moving away or refusing to care for someone a caregiver is legally responsible for. Abandonment can result in both serious injury and death and maybe the most difficult type of elderly/sick abuse to identify. More often than not abandoned elderly are incapable for reaching out for help on their own and may be trapped where they were left.

Financial Abuse - Through manipulation the elderly and the sick can be scammed or conned with relative ease by persons whom make a living doing so. This type of abuse may come from friends, family, orderlies, doctors, or any other type of care giver. Loved ones should keep an eye out for odd gift giving, new persons receiving loans or handouts, odd spending, and of course the bank accounts of their loved ones.

Additional Types Of Abuse

There are several other types of abuse that the elderly and sick fall victim to. These include:

• Isolation
• Abduction
• Mental suffering
• Healthcare fraud
• Dependant abuse

It can be difficult to spot elderly abuse of any type but it's important for loved ones to be vigilant when they believe abuse is occurring. Speaking with both law enforcement and an attorney can help stop the abuse and hold those responsible for it accountable.