Families trust home caregivers, whether professionals or family members, to provide compassionate, responsible care to their older relatives. When a home healthcare worker breaks that trust, the consequences can be devastating. The unfortunate reality is that elder abuse is a widespread but often hidden crisis, affecting seniors at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in ten seniors living at home experiences some form of abuse or neglect. However, many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or dependency on the abuser.
If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated or neglected, it’s essential to consult with a New York elder abuse attorney. Our experienced team at Buttafuoco & Associates can help you hold abusive caregivers liable. Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
Who Is Responsible for Elder Abuse or Neglect?
According to the National Elder Mistreatment Study, in over 50% of elder abuse cases, a family member is the abuser. This makes it especially challenging for victims to come forward, as they may be afraid of retaliation. Beyond relatives, there are several other parties often responsible for physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, and neglect. These include home health aides, nurses, and live-in caregivers.
If a home healthcare agency fails to conduct background checks, provide proper training, or supervise its employees, it may be held legally responsible for placing a vulnerable senior in harm’s way. Even unintentional harm is unacceptable, and you may be able to file a lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf.
Types of Elder Abuse Committed by Home Caregivers
Seniors can suffer a wide range of abuse at the hands of unqualified, untrained, or predatory caregivers. Common forms of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, forceful handling, or use of restraints
- Emotional abuse: Intimidation, humiliation, threats, or isolation
- Sexual abuse: Any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact
- Verbal abuse: Yelling, belittling, or manipulation
- Financial abuse: Stealing money, forging checks, or financial coercion
Since at-home care happens behind closed doors, these abuses go unnoticed or unreported. But this is not acceptable. If you suspect that your elderly loved one has been abused by another family member, friend, or home healthcare worker, you have the power to put a stop to it and hold the abuser responsible. To learn more about this process, you can call Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
Holding Abusive Caregivers Accountable
Our elder abuse lawyers want you to know that these abusers can be held responsible in both criminal and civil court. Even family caregivers who assume responsibility for care can be held liable if they engage in abuse or neglect.
If an abusive caregiver works for a home healthcare agency or professional nursing provider, the company may also be held liable. Employers can be held liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to conduct background checks or contact previous employers regarding prior abuse complaints
- Negligent Supervision: When poor oversight or lack of supervision allows abuse or neglect to occur due.
In all these cases, negligence on the part of caregivers may entitle victims and their families to financial compensation in civil court. According to our including:
- Medical expenses: Costs related to injuries, hospitalizations, or mental health treatment.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Long-term care costs: Expenses for rehabilitation, assisted living, or nursing home placement
- Funeral and burial expenses: In cases where abuse leads to wrongful death
- Loss of companionship: For families who have lost time or connection with their loved one
How to Prevent Elder Abuse
Protecting a loved one from abuse starts with vigilance. These are some steps you can take to help keep your loved ones safe with at-home care:
- Vet all caregivers: Request background checks and verify credentials before hiring at-home caregivers.
- Keep records: Maintain a detailed schedule and contact information of caregivers.
- Monitor interactions: Visit frequently and unannounced to observe how the caregiver treats your loved one.
- Pay attention to behavior changes: Watch for signs of distress, depression, or mood swings.
- Watch for physical signs: Weight loss, bruises, bedsores, or unexplained injuries.
Speak with a New York Elder Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect a caregiver is mistreating your loved one, do not wait: consult with an elder abuse attorney in New York. Your intervention could save a life.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we fight to hold negligent and abusive caregivers accountable, even when they are family members. Let us help protect your loved one’s rights and dignity.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT today for a free, confidential consultation.
