California Attorney Discusses What You Can About Elder Abuse by a Private Caregiver

If you have had to make the difficult choice of what to do about an elderly family member that is no longer able to take care of themselves without help, then you know how much thought goes into choosing a solution. Many factors go into the ultimate decision including the physical and mental health of your loved one, how much you can depend on additional family members, proximity to long term care facilities and the cost of different care options. For those that can afford a private caregiver, that option frequently sounds like the best choice. After all, a private caregiver allows your loved one to remain in their own home, with familiar surroundings and close to family and friends. If your loved one is still able to do many of the things they have always done for themselves, but is in need of regular medical monitoring or minimal supervision, a private caregiver can be an excellent option. Most private caregivers are well-trained, caring and compassionate people that have dedicated themselves to take care of our senior citizens. Unfortunately, there are a few that take the opportunity to prey on the patients in their charge.

Elder abuse happens every minute of every day across the United States. Our elderly loved ones are the silent victims of our society. A lawyer can determine if you have an elder abuse case. Where domestic violence and child abuse were once grossly under reported, elder abuse has now become one of the most under-reported crimes in our society. Many seniors to not report abuse, neglect or mistreatment out of fear or shame. Estimates are that as much as 80% of elder abuse goes unreported. Elder abuse can happen in a nursing home, hospital, long term care facility or by a family member. Private caregivers are also sometimes guilty of abusing, neglecting or mistreating their patients. The very nature of the relationship between a private caregiver and her patient creates a perfect opportunity for abuse. A private caregiver generally spends a good deal of time alone with her patient. She may gain his confidence or instill fear. Either way, the close – and often isolated – nature of the caregiver/patient relationship can create an atmosphere conducive to abuse. Under these circumstances, elderly patients may feel that they can trust the caregiver and may give them access to money, let them have possessions or sign away property that they would otherwise not do. This may amount to financial abuse. Conversely, they may feel overly dependent on the caregiver and feel afraid to say no to them for fear of reprisals. Physical abuse and neglect may go unnoticed for some time if the private caregiver is the only person that your loved one interacts with on a regular basis.

If you choose to utilize a private caregiver for your loved one, take it upon yourself to check in at unexpected times and make sure that your loved one is getting the care he deserves. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered elder abuse, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the caregiver and/or her employer. Contact California elder abuse attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates for more information about your legal rights and to schedule a free detailed evaluation of your loved one's situation. Attorney Ledger can be reached at his toll-free number 1-800-300-0001 or visit him on the Internet at .