What Is Considered Elder Abuse and Neglect in Oklahoma?
The elderly are physically and cognitively vulnerable, placing them at risk of neglect and abuse by caregivers, family members, and nursing home staff. Abuse and neglect of vulnerable senior citizens in Oklahoma is an egregious action that can cause more than physical, emotional, and financial harm.
In many cases, the fragility of elders means the results of abuse cause a decline in their quality of life and lead to negative impacts such as social withdrawal, shortened life expectancy, and death. Worse, some elders experiencing abuse are physically or cognitively unable to report their abuse or fail to report abuse due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or reluctance to burden loved ones.
If you suspect an elderly loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, contact an Oklahoma City elder abuse attorney for guidance on protecting their rights and pursuing justice.
Types of Elder Neglect and Abuse in Oklahoma
An elder abuse lawyer represents the abuse victim or their family members to demand justice through financial accountability. Elder abuse takes place in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in private homes. Sadly, the Nursing Home Abuse Center reports that an alarming 5 million elderly Americans suffer abuse each year.
Elder abuse in Oklahoma and throughout the US is typically categorized into the following types:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, pinching, shoving, kicking, and other forms of physical assault
- Neglect, such as failing to ensure an elder’s adequate intake of fluids and nutrition, failing to assist with proper hygiene, failing to administer prescribed medications in a timely manner, and failing to prevent, recognize, and promptly treat infections from bedsores, UTIs, and respiratory illnesses
- Emotional abuse, such as yelling, berating, belittling, mocking, name-calling, threatening, intimidating, or intentionally isolating an elder as punishment
- Sexual abuse, including any unwanted sexual touching or penetration
- Financial exploitation, including making unauthorized transactions and withdrawals in an elder’s accounts, stealing their valuables, or accessing their home and car
Women, those with histories of previous trauma, those of lower socioeconomic status, and elders in poor physical or cognitive health are the most likely to become victims of elder abuse and neglect.
Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Sadly, the elderly are often victimized due to their physical or cognitive inability to report the abuse. For this reason, it’s crucial to be aware and alert to the signs that an elderly loved one might be suffering abuse.
Signs and symptoms of elder abuse include the following:
- Unexplained bruises, fractures, head injuries, and restraint marks
- Torn or blood-stained clothing and bedding
- Broken personal items, like glasses, dentures, and hearing aids
- Sudden weight loss
- Dry, cracked lips and skin
- Unclean, unkempt appearance and room
- Untreated bedsores
- Missed medication doses
- Uneaten meals and untouched drinks remaining in the room
- Bruises or bleeding from or near the private parts
- Unexplained financial transactions
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities
- Reluctance to talk in front of a caregiver
If you suspect your loved one has suffered elder abuse or neglect, it’s crucial to remove them from the situation and have a complete medical evaluation performed by a trusted physician. An elder abuse attorney in Oklahoma City can help ensure proper documentation and evidence are collected for a potential case.
How Can an Oklahoma City Elder Abuse Lawyer Help Me?
It takes a thorough investigation and compelling evidence to prove elder abuse and neglect in Oklahoma and to make a successful case for compensation and justice. Contact an experienced elder abuse attorney at Dan Davis Law at (405) 930-4210 to learn more during a free case consultation. Your loved one deserves protection, and a skilled Oklahoma City elder abuse lawyer can advocate for their rights every step of the way.