The Consequences of Elder Abuse

  • Dan T. Matrafajlo
  • Wed Sep 2021
  • Elder Abuse,
  • 0
Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse may not be something we want to think about happening to a loved one, but there is no doubt that it’s happening all around us. At least 10% of adults over the age of 60 will experience some form of elder abuse in a given year. Even more sad is the fact that some older adults simultaneously experience more than one type of abuse. As much as we may want to deny the fact that our elderly loved ones are prone to becoming victims of abuse, it is definitely more common than we think.

Just like any other victim, elderly individuals who are subject to any type of abuse will suffer immense consequences. However, unlike most victims, the elderly are more at risk and unable to voice their concern and get the help they need – especially those abused in nursing homes who are unable to report or escape abuse.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is defined as any intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another individual in a relationship involving an explanation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. There are five basic types of elder abuse:

  1. Financial exploitation
  2. Psychological abuse
  3. Sexual abuse
  4. Caregiver neglect
  5. Physical abuse

The signs of elder abuse are generally not as apparent as abuse in other groups of individuals. This makes it imperative that loved ones keep a keener eye for any signs that may indicate their elderly loved one is the victim of some type of abuse.

The Consequences of Elder Abuse

The trauma of elder abuse can result in serious health consequences. Below are some serious consequences:

  • Deterioration in health
  • Hospitalization and increased mortality
  • Clinical issues, such as depression and suicide
  • Social issues, such as disrupted relationships
  • Financial loss

All of these consequences, in addition to others, lead to diminished independence and quality of life. Although not all elder abuse can be avoided, reporting the abuse can help prevent it to another elderly individual in the future. Furthermore, you should immediately contact an experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorney to protect the legal rights of your loved one and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Call a New Jersey Elder Abuse Attorney Today!

The legal team at Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC is dedicated to helping our injured clients reach the best monetary settlement when they are involved in any type of accidents.

If you suspect a loved one has become the victim of elder abuse, you need an experienced and caring legal advocate on your side. Our experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorneys are available to personally review your case.  Call us at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.

Dan T. Matrafajlo

Dan T. Matrafajlo

NJ State Bar #: 031722003

Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq., is the managing member and lead partner at Beninato and Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC. Renowned for groundbreaking contributions to personal injury law, he has set legal precedents with influential Appellate decisions and garnered recognition in the New Jersey Law Journal. A consistent honoree on Super Lawyers' Rising Star list for the past five years, Matrafajlo's litigation prowess is widely acknowledged. He has won various awards like Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters Association 2019, and Nominated into Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2012 until the Present.

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