Personal Injury Law

Increase in Massachusetts Elder Abuse and Neglect Cases Reported

By Altman & Altman

According to The Herald News, although latest statistics show that there has been an increase in Massachusetts elder abuse and neglect cases in recent years, there aren?t enough resources to properly deal with these incidents.

During the year ending June 30, 2009, caseworkers investigated about 16,000 reports of Massachusetts elder neglect and abuse in private living environments. An Executive Office of Elder Affairs official cites poor economy and a growing senior age group as among the reasons for the increase in abuse and neglect incidents.

Massachusetts Elder Abuse and Neglect
State law defines elder abuse as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, self-neglect, caretaker neglect, and the financial exploitation of a person belonging to the 60 and over age group. Elder abuse and neglect can take place in Massachusetts nursing homes and in private residences. Perpetrators of elder abuse or neglect have included nursing home workers, professional caretakers working in the patient?s home, family members, and others.

Our Boston, Massachusetts nursing home abuse and neglect law firm wants to remind you that not only is elder abuse and neglect a crime that can cause serious injuries or death to the victim, but as a victim of abuse or neglect your loved one may have grounds for a Massachusetts elder abuse or neglect lawsuit.

Some Signs that Someone You Love May Be a Victim of Boston Elder Abuse or Neglect:
? Unexplained bruises, broken bones, cuts, welts, or sprains
? Depression
? Restraint marks on wrists
? Signs of possible overmedication
? Sudden mood swings
? Unexplained paranoia
? Fear of caretaker or nursing home worker
? Complains of abuse or neglect
? Unexplained STDs
? Poor hygiene
? Malnutrition
? Bedsores
? Caretaker is unable to explain patient?s injuries

Elder abuse and neglect complaints are on the rise in Massachusetts, Herald News, September 6, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Nursing Homes, Massachusetts Health and Human Services

National Center on Elder Abuse

Financial Abuse, National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Full post as published by Boston Injury Lawyer Blog on September 07, 2010 (boomark / email).