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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Elderly Neglect and Compensation: A Guide for Families of Retirees

Bijorn Lagert

Photo by Jhenning on Pixabay


Retirement is a time for adventure, relaxation, and enjoying the fruit of years of hard work. However, this isn't the case for many families. When aging parents begin to require extra care, it is usually an issue to find the right support, and sometimes, when you think you have the right place, your loved one can suffer from neglect. If you find yourself in this situation, there are various ways you can seek compensation for your loved one. Let's find out how.

What is elderly neglect?

Elderly neglect is when a facility or caregiver fails to provide the right care that allows an elderly person to live safely and comfortably. It could range from lack of personal hygiene assistance to improper medical care, emotional neglect like isolation, poor living conditions, and lack of companionship. 

How to spot elderly neglect

Sometimes, it is not easy to spot elderly neglect, especially if it is subtle, but there are common signs you can watch out for, such as the following:

  • Poor living conditions: An untidy room, unwashed hair, and dirty clothes are indicators of a lack of proper care.

  • Illnesses and unexplained injuries: If your loved one begins to show unexplained signs of injuries, cuts, or bruises, then this might be a sign of neglect or even abuse.

  • Depression or withdrawal: Sometimes neglect goes beyond physical. When a person feels uncared for or abandoned, they can become isolated or depressed, so if your loved one seems unusually upset or withdrawn, it might be best to investigate further.

  • Malnutrition or dehydration: Missing meals or insufficient fluids can cause serious health issues, leading to poor health. 

What to do when you suspect neglect

When you notice signs of neglect, it is best to act quickly and speak with the staff at the facility. Ask questions about your loved ones' well-being and care. Ensure that you let them understand that you will keep a close eye on things. If necessary, take pictures of signs of neglect or inquiries as evidence. Additionally, you can bring in a third party, like a social worker or physician, to assess the situation.  

How to pursue compensation for elderly neglect

When the worst-case scenario becomes reality, and you realize that you are a victim of neglect, there are several actions you can take to seek compensation for elderly neglect:  

  • Document everything: evidence is key to purring compensation. Take pictures, make a written note of your findings, and keep records of every communication with the care facility.

  • Speak to an attorney: Most compensation for elderly neglect often involves filing a lawsuit. A lawyer specializing in this area can help you understand the legal steps and how you can approach the situation.

  • Report the facility: If you have not already, then report the facility to a regulatory body or your state health department. They might launch an investigation, which could result in fines or penalties for the facility.

Endnote

It can be quite difficult to think that your loved one can suffer in a place that is supposed to be safe, but unfortunately, this happens more often. When you suspect neglect, always take action. With the right support, you can fight for the health, well-being, and dignity of your loved one. If necessary, you can seek compensation for the harm done.  

 

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

contact Billy and Akaisha at theguide@retireearlylifestyle.com

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