Elder abuse and neglect should not go ignored. If you or another elder adult are currently being abused, exploited, or neglected, the very first step that you need to take is to speak out. It is crucial that you tell at least one person that you trust such as a close friend or family member. If you do not have a friend or family member that you can tell, then you can try calling a helpline.
If you have witnessed an older adult being neglected or abused, you need to report the situation as soon as possible. It is best to not assume that someone else will report it so you do not have to. The person who is being abused needs to be helped as soon as possible, so the sooner it is reported, the better. Even if they are able to, many seniors do not report this type of abuse to anyone else. They are typically fearful of retaliation from their abuser, while others believe that they have no one else to take care of them.
Many times the abuser is a family member such as a spouse or child and they blame themselves for being a burden on their family. They may also be ashamed that their children or spouse are behaving in such a matter that they do not want to report it. The best way to report elder abuse is to contact the authorities and be as descriptive as possible. You do not need to have concrete evidence in order to report such a crime.
Ed Dudensing Attorney at Law is an attorney who specializes in elder neglect in Sacramento and surrounding areas. It is important that you report elder neglect as soon as you find out about it. You could potentially save a life.
