ELDER ABUSE
Neglect
Mistreatment
Physical Violence
Abandonment
Psychological Abuse
Abduction
Sexual Abuse
False Imprisonment
Isolation
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THE LAW
ABUSE
Includes physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, unreasonable restraints, verbal abuse, harassment, or any other treatment that results in physical harm, pain, or mental suffering.
NEGLECT
Failure to assist in personal hygiene or in the provision of food, clothing, or shelter. Failure to provide medical care for physical and mental health needs. Failure to protect from health and safety hazards. Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration.
(Cal. Penal Code § 15610)
WHO IS PROTECTED?
ELDERS
Any person who is 65 years of age or older.
DEPENDENT ADULTS
Any person, between the ages of 18 to 64 years, who has physical or mental limitations that restrict his/her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his/her own rights.
WHY ARE THEY PROTECTED?
It has long been recognized that elders and other dependent adults are particularly vulnerable to being neglected and abused by their caregivers. Many care facilities promise families of elders and dependent adults that their staff will provide the care and services their loved ones need. Unfortunately, many care facilities are understaffed and/or fail to hire properly trained staff in order to maximize business profits.
WHAT COMMONLY HAPPENS?
PRESSURE SORES OR "BED SORES"
FALL FRACTURES
OVERMEDICATION /
UNDERMEDICATION
MALNUTRITION / DEHYDRATION
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
UNDERSTAFFING
LACK OF TRAINING
OVERCROWDED FACILITIES
CORPORATE CULTURE
WHO IS LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE?
NURSING HOMES
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
HOSPITALS
REHABILITATION FACILITIES
