Elder abuse is a growing problem and an Ohio study found that more than 29,000 Ohioans were victims in 2007. Most abused adults won't talk about it.
"They should not feel alone or feel embarrassed that they are finding themselves in a situation where their adult children are abusing them," California elder abuse attorney Steven Peck says.
Adults who are abused physically or financially by relatives should call police.
But those who are ill-treated in nursing homes often need their children to notice and speak up, Peck reiterates.
"We have to be advocates for our family members because a lot of times with overcrowding and with short staff, it's not always outright abuse. It's neglect but it's still not acceptable," Peck says.
Peck says the best course of action is to put the nursing home on notice. Call adult protective services or the long-care ombudsman.
Warning signs that an older person is being abused include unexplained injuries, depression, or a sudden financial change, such as switch in power of attorney.
If you are being abused, or you suspect abuse or neglect, immediately contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1.866.999.9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney and visit us on-line at www.premierlegal.org.
