Since the spring of 2020, world events have led to increased media coverage concerning the plight of many older adults who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Given the rates of elder abuse tied to these facilities, this increased media scrutiny is both proper and long overdue.
Yet, it is important for people of all ages to be aware of the fact that an older adult doesn’t have to live in a nursing facility in order to experience elder abuse. Older adults suffer abuse, neglect and exploitation at alarming rates regardless of where they live.
Older adults are entitled to dignity and basic care
Not every older adult is fortunate enough to have someone serving in a caregiver role as they age and, ultimately, could likely benefit from such assistance. Yet, those that do need to understand that simply because someone is serving in this role, it doesn’t mean that they can treat the older adult who is in their care any way they please.
Stories about older adults who are cared for outside of long-term facilities and are living in horrible conditions, lacking access to basic necessities and suffering physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse abound. If you know someone – or are someone – who is suffering in this way, it is important to understand that you have rights.
It can be very difficult to seek legal guidance if your caregiver is abusive, especially if you fear retaliation at their hands for reaching out. Please understand that you are entitled to dignity and basic care. If you can go to a library or another safe space and reach out for help on a computer that your abuser can’t access or if you can speak with law enforcement safely, please do.