Reported cases of financial elder abuse, physical abuse and nursing home abuse and neglect inflicted upon elderly people are rising in California.
"Elderly people were beginning to speak up when they never used to, california elder law attorney Steven C. Peck says.
Figures for 2009 were not yet available but in 2008, in California, there were thousands of confirmed cases of elder abuse, which refers to abuse of people over 65. Most seem to concern abuse perpetrated by family members.
The most common form of elder abuse was financial.
Frequent cases included when families "helped themselves to their parents' money", demanded money for drugs and alcohol or moved in and lived off them Peck states.
Physical abuse also occurred and that sometimes was a result of unresolved family issues or alcohol and drugs.
Seeing an 80-year-old with bruises all over their face broke is terrible. However, the issue is not a new one. "It has always been there, it's just been hidden, says Peck.
"It's behind closed doors,"
With increasing financial pressure on families, this type of abuse shall flourish, unless we get a hold of the causes immediately, california elder abuse attorney Steven Peck indicates and may be contacted toll free at 1.866.999.9085 and visited on line at www.premierlegal.org.
