Jordans Solicitors support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day takes place each year on 15 June and raises awareness about the abuse and neglect experienced by older adults.

The aim is to create a world where older adults are able to live safely and be treated with dignity and respect. 

Jordans Solicitors Abuse department is proud once again to support the day. 

It is highly likely that a member of your family is or has been in a care home at some stage of their life, or that you know someone who has been. It is not nice to imagine that someone would want to intentionally harm an elderly person but unfortunately it is increasingly becoming a common event. 

The abuse sometimes takes place in nursing or care homes but can also occur in the person’s own home. The abuser can be a healthcare provider but also a member of their family or a friend. Most survivors of elder abuse are female although some are male. Older adults without family or regular visitors and people with disabilities or memory problems are more vulnerable to abuse, the latter because the abusers often believe they are safe and the person will be unable to remember the abuser’s actions. 

The abuse can be in the form of sexual abuse with the adult forced to watch or be part of sexual acts. The sexual abuse could be unwanted sexual conduct by employees at the home, other residents or others present in the home. Research confirms that the perpetrator of the sexual abuse is more likely to be male. Complaints of sexual abuse are unfortunately often ignored or rejected when the person suffers from memory problems or dementia.   

The form of abuse can be physical and might include hitting, pushing or slapping but can also include not moving the person correctly or the use of excessive force, restraining an older adult against their will or even locking them in a room. 

The abuse can also be in the form of neglect which can either be the fault of the carer or carers but can also be due to due to training issues and system failures on the part of the home or care provider. Examples of neglect could be failing to care for the person’s basic needs such as hygiene and grooming, failing to provide them with adequate hydration or nutrition, failing to provide medication, medication administration errors or failing to provide access to health care. 

Whether you or someone in your family have experienced elder abuse, or just want to make an impact, raising awareness is the best way to make sure that no victim goes unsupported or unheard. 

Jordans Solicitors are proud to offer support victims of elder abuse and their families #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay

We act on behalf of vulnerable and older adults whom it is alleged were physically and sexually abused in a number of different types of institutions. 

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse of a loved one and our specially trained abuse solicitors work alongside barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors.