Understanding charges of elder abuse

Elder abuse charges can be levied against individuals or corporations, and FindLaw notes that this could involve charges of behavior that negatively impacts the health and well-being of senior citizens. This type of abuse takes many forms, including general or widespread neglect and abandonment.

Abuse can be physical or psychological, with effects ranging from injury to adverse emotional health brought on by verbal abuse and fear of their abuser. Vulnerable seniors can also be victims of sexual abuse, which can begin with unwanted sexual contact but could be as severe as repeated rape and molestation. Perpetrators may also financially and materially exploit the elderly for personal gain.

Save for in the unique case of self-neglect, abuse can be perpetuated by family members or can involve the actions of hired caretakers, nursing home personnel, hospital employees or even strangers. Charges may be levied by third parties or even by the victim of abuse themselves. Depending on the nature of the case and the abuse, other charges may be involved pertaining to specific types of assault, violence, and injury.

ElPasoProud.com reports that a recent local case in Las Cruces is set to move forward with charges of elder abuse against two separate New Mexico companies, which face charges from the New Mexico Attorney General for the poor living conditions at their facilities. Accusations include poor response times to medical issues, lack of proper hygiene services, poor attention to meal/feeding assistance and personal injury caused by lack of bed or patient movement, resulting in bed sores. Each of these accusations qualifies as elder abuse and is eligible for prosecution.