logo

Call Now:

(312) 609-0400

24/7
Call Us for Free Consultation

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Search
Close this search box.

Who Is Most Likely to Commit Elder Abuse?

Old woman with dementia and or Alzheimer's is neglected in nursing home

or fill out the Contact Form

The most likely perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect are adult children and/or spouses who live with the elderly person, and caregivers that provide care in the home or nursing home facility.

Old woman with dementia and or Alzheimer's is neglected in nursing home

Elderly Adults Face Risks of Abuse and Neglect

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is a growing problem across the country since millions of baby boomers are now 65 years old and older. NCEA statistics on elder abuse show that one in six elderly adults over the age of 60 suffer some type of abuse by family members and/or caregivers. In home settings, perpetrators are often adult children, spouses, and home health aides. In nursing homes and long-term care facilities, perpetrators are most often caregivers working in the facility.

NCEA defines elder abuse as some type of physical or emotional mistreatment that causes harm to the victim. Elder abuse can be experienced in the form of physical attacks; verbal abuse; rape and sexual assaults; neglect of basic needs; and financial exploitation. Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers see serious physical injuries caused by slapping, hitting, pushing, shoving, and sexual assaults.

Elder abuse often results in physical injuries such as cuts, abrasions, fractures, and broken bones which may never heal properly. Emotional and sexual abuse can result in long-lasting psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Even minor injuries to elderly adults can cause serious and permanent damage or death. Studies on elder abuse show that victims are twice as likely to die prematurely than people who are not victims of elder abuse.

Risk Factors

Whether elder abuse occurs in home settings or in nursing home facilities, certain individuals are at higher risk for mistreatment by others. Major risk factors include:

  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Physical disabilities
  • Social isolation
  • Shared living spaces
  • Poorly trained caregivers
  • Caregivers with a history of drugs, alcohol, or violence

NCEA studies show that perpetrators of physical abuse who live with the victim or provide regular care often have a history of violent behaviors, problems with the police, psychological issues, and substance abuse.

Unfortunately, many caregivers who work with the elderly are not properly screened with background checks, so many of these risk factors that contribute to abuse slip through the cracks. When elder abuse is suspected, it should be reported to proper Illinois authorities or nursing home abuse lawyers who can investigate claims and take protective and preventative actions.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

Related Articles

Depressed senior man sitting on bench. Nursing home neglect
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing Home Neglect: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Loved One’s Home?

Nursing home neglect is on the rise in Chicago, Illinois, with residents reporting emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Common signs of neglect include lack of basic amenities, unclean environment, unexplained changes in behavior, and isolation.

Cropped of female social worker helping senior woman to walk with walker at home. nursing home laws and regulations
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

How Nursing Home Laws and Regulations Protect Residents in Illinois

The Department of Health in Illinois (IDPH) conducts annual inspections to ensure care facilities observe state-specific nursing home laws and regulations. On the other hand, CMS ensures that nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding comply with federal regulations, like the Nursing Home Reform Act.

A group of seniors smiling together while in a retirement home
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

What Are a Nursing Home Resident’s Rights?

The Nursing Home Reform Act is a federal law that was passed in 1987 and established a set of minimum standards of care for nursing homes that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. It requires states to enforce these standards through regular inspections and monitoring.

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos