Elder abuse is a serious issue affecting about 1 in every 10 senior citizens in America, as stated by reported cases. The toll that elder abuse can take on a senior can be devastating. The impact of the abuse can be felt physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially. It can also be difficult for a senior to come forward about abuse, especially if the abuser is a family member. For our previous article on the different types of elder abuse, click here.
Physical Impacts
Elderly victims of abuse are often more frail than other abuse victims. Due to their advanced age, it is easier for an elderly person to become bruised, break bones, etc. Physical signs of elder abuse are more easily noticed. Physical and sexual abuse may result in visible injuries, such as bruises, soreness, sprains, and broken bones.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts
Abuse can take more than just a physical toll on a senior citizen. Abuse, in any form, can be emotionally devastating to the victim. Any type of elder abuse can have an emotional impact on the victim. Emotional impacts can include depression, lack of sleep or appetite, anxiety and isolation.
Financial Impacts
It goes without saying that financial abuse has financial impacts. If a senior citizen is being taken advantage of financially, they can lose money and assets to their abuser. But they may be left without enough to support themselves. Additionally, abuse of any kind may mean that you will have to relocate the elderly person. If they are abused by a caretaker, you may want to consider full time nursing home care which has its own set of financial burdens. For more information on financial abuse, read our article here.
For more than 40 years, our firm has been assisting people like you with long term care and estate planning needs. We bring you the knowledge and resources to protect you and your family. Armstrong & Lamberti, PLLC do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice by articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. Call 718.477.7700 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with an estate planning attorney at Armstrong & Lamberti, PLLC. We proudly serve Staten Island, Brooklyn and the other boroughs of New York City.