The coronavirus pandemic has seriously impacted older Americans, from fears of infection to outbreaks in elder care facilities. Due to restrictions designed to help minimize the spread of the virus, facilities did not allow visitors for several weeks.
For family members and friends who regularly visit their loved ones in nursing home, this was an extraordinarily difficult time. Individuals who are non-verbal or experiencing memory problems already have difficulty communicating about any issues with their care, so in many cases their caregivers visit the facility frequently to ensure that they are being cared for appropriately.
Stay in the Know
Reports of elder abuse have increased in the past few months. While nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to risk of COVID-19 infection, restrictions that prevent loved ones from visiting can lead to several issues. Preventing contagion within elder care facilities is important, but the extreme isolation caused by these restrictions also created an environment for elder abuse.
Recently, many facilities have begun allowing visitors with strict guidelines, such as temperature checks and required mask wearing. If you have a loved one who is in an elder care facility, stay informed about official visitation policies. If you are not allowed to visit your loved one while taking precautions despite a nursing home policy that allows visitors, consider it a red flag. Here are some steps to take if you suspect elder abuse in Indiana.
Types of Elder Abuse
The National Council on Aging reports that approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60 or over have experience at least one of the seven forms of elder abuse, as identified by the National Center on Elder Abuse.
These forms of elder abuse are:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Financial abuse
- Self-neglect
Elder abuse can have serious consequences, from emotional suffering to physical injuries to death.
If you suspect that your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or a loved one has suffered from elder abuse, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
