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Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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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. |
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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so if your loved one seems unusually upset or withdrawn, it might be best to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:
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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.
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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.
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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