How to report crime against the elderly depends on the situation. For instance, calling the police may be appropriate to address immediate or potentially life-threatening concerns. In other situations, you may choose to report the behavior to Adult Protective Services, which is part of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services.
Your loved one has rights, whether they are at home or in a nursing home. At The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are fierce and decisive advocates for the elderly. We are ready to listen to your concerns and develop a swift and effective strategy to keep your loved one safe.
With a combined 80 years of experience, we have a robust knowledge of how to handle these types of claims in a compassionate and skillful manner.
Types of Elder Abuse
Crimes against the elderly can take many forms, such as physical or financial abuse or exploitation. An assisted living facility may fail in its obligations to its patients, resulting in serious neglect that injures those in its care. Likewise, scammers may take advantage of the person’s vulnerable position and steal money from them.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse may occur at the hands of a spouse, relative, guardian, or any caregiver. Signs of physical abuse include:
- Black eye, bruising, lacerations, welts, or open wounds
- Fractured or broken bones
- Broken glasses
- Signs of being restrained or punished
The victim may not immediately come forward and accuse someone of abusing them. Instead, they may try to explain it away by saying they fell or do not remember getting hurt. They may fear retaliation from staff or the abuser if they find out the victim is telling others. Or they may not have fully processed their experience.
If you think your loved one is being abused, try to talk to them about your concerns. It may also be necessary to call the police or a seasoned lawyer who can help protect and guide your loved one through this.
Neglect and abandonment
Personal and professional caregivers might neglect an elderly person. Examples of neglect include:
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Extremely poor hygiene
- Untreated bed sores
- Unsanitary living conditions
Neglectful conditions can have a disastrous impact on the aging person’s mental and physical health. For instance, the patient may develop a life-threatening infection because of bed sores.
Or, they may slip and fall and break a hip or rib because they were forced to try to use the bathroom without help.
Nursing home abuse
Nursing home staff — including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others — may abuse or neglect residents. For example, they may overmedicate patients or use physical restraints without justification. Likewise, staff may give the patients the wrong medication or not provide them with medication when they’re supposed to have it. People who work for long-term care facilities may also harm patients by physically, sexually, or financially abusing or exploiting them.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Abuse
Abuse and neglect can appear in subtle ways, especially early on. Someone may have sudden and unexplained changes in their behavior. For example, someone who’s ordinarily outgoing may become reserved or isolated. Or, bruises or scrapes may appear without warning, and the person may not be able to explain where they came from.
You know your loved one best. If something seems off, trust your instincts. If calling the police or reporting suspicious behavior to the authorities doesn’t feel accessible, consider talking to an elder abuse attorney. They can speak to you about your concerns and figure out an appropriate course of action. For example, they may gather more information from your loved one or talk to trusted members of the facility.
The SC Nursing Home Bill of Rights
South Carolina law creates a bill of rights for those who are in an eligible long-term care facility. These rights include the following:
- Being fully informed about their care
- Having the authority to accept or reject treatment recommendations
- Privacy and dignity
- Being able to socialize with loved ones
- Staying in or discharging themselves from the facility
- Safekeeping of personal possessions
- Having quality care and a hygienic living environment
Additionally, the resident should receive proper nutrition and medical care throughout their stay. The staff should also facilitate cleanliness, such as giving the patient a bath or taking them to the restroom regularly.
Some of these rights also extend to the resident’s loved ones. For example, the facility may have to keep certain family members in the loop during the person’s stay.
How To Report Crime Against the Elderly
How you report suspected elder abuse depends on the type and severity of the crime. If you believe someone is in imminent danger, call 9-1-1 right away to get immediate assistance. You can also reach out to Adult Protective Services at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. If you have questions or need help with reporting crimes against the elderly, an attorney can be an invaluable asset.
The Benefit of Getting Legal Assistance for Crimes Against the Elderly
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect, consider contacting an attorney to learn how to report a crime against the elderly. A lawyer can provide a safe space for you to talk about your concerns and create an empowering plan to address them. For instance, if your loved one is uncomfortable with confronting the abuser directly, your legal team can find a way to disclose the abuse without putting your loved one at risk.
The lawyer can also perform research on the latest laws to make sure they follow the proper procedure. If necessary, they can also file and defend a complaint against the negligent healthcare provider or facility.
Contact The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers if Your Elderly Loved One Was Abused
Finding out that your loved one suffered harm at the hands of someone you thought would care for them can be a heavy betrayal to bear. The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers has over eight decades of combined legal experience standing by those who are victims of elder and nursing home abuse and neglect. Our team understands the acute pain you may feel because of the injustice you and your family have experienced.
Our founding attorney, Bert Louthian, is a second-generation lawyer who maintains a fierce family focus to help guide him as he fights for clients who are abused, neglected, and exploited by thoughtless people and agencies. For legal help understanding how to report crime against the elderly, contact us today by calling 803-592-6231 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
