Learning that your senior loved one has suffered neglect or physical elder abuse is enough to make you feel terrible in many ways. Most people suffer from overwhelming guilt and feel like they failed to protect a vulnerable family member.
Only those that harmed your elder or allowed the abuse to occur are to blame, not you. Even the most aware individuals have a hard time identifying elder abuse. Those that commit these horrific crimes know how to avoid detection for as long as possible. Please, do not beat yourself up over this because your elder needs you now more than ever.
The right advocate can make a difference
You have legal options for elder abuse in Northern California. However, you typically need an advocate to help you bring the perpetrators to justice. How can you find the one that can best help your loved one? Look for the attributes below when choosing an advocate:
- Passion. A passionate elder abuse advocate may wear their heart on their sleeve. You can feel and see their passion when they speak with you about your loved one’s case.
- Experience. Experience counts when handling claims involving the neglect and abuse of elder state residents. Choose a candidate with a record of success in handling similar cases.
- Fearlessness. You never know how a nursing home or individual caregiver will respond to allegations of elder abuse. Selecting an elder abuse advocate with no fear ensures that they will see your case through and always fight for the rights of your elder.
It is also wise to familiarize yourself with California elder abuse laws and remedies. The knowledge you gain can improve your chances of getting your loved one the justice they deserve.
