Seeking Accountability for Elder Abuse and Protecting Your Loved Ones: Giroux & Associates Can Help.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is the mistreatment, or neglect of an elderly person. Elder abuse is sometimes, but not always, physical. Non-physical elder abuse can be emotional, verbal or financial. Elder abuse can be done either deliberately or negligently. It is often a crime, and it is usually perpetrated by someone that the elderly person is dependent on, like a caregiver or nursing home staff member. Often the elderly are too afraid or too embarrassed to speak out against the abuse. In such cases friends and family are the only line of defense.
What Can I Do To Protect My Elderly Loved One?
A good Tampa elder abuse attorney can advise you on the proper steps to take in order to protect your loved one from nursing home abuse.
One key step is to watch for signs of abuse. Signs of abuse include:
- Physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones;
- Malnourishment or dehydration;
- Bed sores;
- Mood swings or withdrawal;
- Aggressive nursing home staff members;
- Poor hygiene; and
- “Lost” or unaccounted for money or valuables.
Another key step to protecting your loved one is to speak up and speak out on their behalf. Consult with a Tampa elder abuse attorney if you suspect abuse and need assistance to protect your loved one.
Elder Abuse Often Goes Unreported
Many people fail to protect their loved ones by not speaking out or otherwise reporting abuse. Often this happens because family members don’t know how to speak out, who to speak to, or what can be done. Many people feel hopeless or intimidated and fear that there case is too hard to prove. From filing police reports to civil suits and/or restraining orders, your Tampa elder abuse lawyer can assist you in taking the necessary steps to protect your loved one against elder abuse. We fight for the elderly, and we won’t be intimated.
Contact a Tampa Elder Abuse Attorney
Call Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399 if you are in need of a Tampa elder abuse lawyer with years of experience protecting the elderly. He won’t let you down.