Why does elder abuse often go unnoticed?

Why does elder abuse often go unnoticed in Nevada?

Elder abuse is an unfortunate reality that many seniors face worldwide, including in Nevada. Despite state laws and protective measures, it is saddening to note that cases of elder abuse often go unnoticed. At J. Cogburn Law, the best elder abuse law firm in Las Vegas, we understand the importance of shedding light on this alarming trend. In this article, we examine some of the reasons why elder abuse is often unreported in Nevada. So, why does elder abuse often go unnoticed?

Fear and Intimidation

One of the main reasons why elder abuse goes unnoticed is because victims are often too afraid to report it. Perpetrators of elder abuse, whether family members or caregivers, may threaten to hurt the elderly, withhold medicine or other essentials, or even institutionalize them against their will. As a result, many seniors choose to stay silent about their experiences with abuse, fearing the physical and psychological consequences that may follow if they speak out.

Isolation

Many elderly individuals are isolated from the rest of the world, making it easier for perpetrators to abuse them unnoticed. Elderly residents in nursing homes, for example, are often segregated from their loved ones, which can limit their communication with the outside world and decrease their chances of receiving help if abuse occurs. Caregivers and family members may also intentionally isolate elderly individuals in their homes to keep them hidden from the public and prevent them from disclosing the abuse.

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, can compromise the ability of the elderly to report abuse or even recognize it. Such seniors are often more vulnerable to neglect, physical, emotional, and financial abandonment or abuse than those without cognitive impairments. They may also not be able to discern who to talk to, where to report abuse to, or even recall the events that led to the abuse, rendering it unreported.

Insufficient Knowledge

Elder abuse often goes unnoticed because many individuals lack knowledge of what constitutes elder abuse and where to report it. Many people assume that elder abuse mainly entails physical harm or bruises to the elderly. However, elder abuse is more far-reaching, encompassing financial exploitation, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Additionally, many senior citizens are unaware of their rights or where to seek legal help in addressing elder abuse in Nevada.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation of the elderly is rampant in Nevada and often goes undetected. Perpetrators take advantage of the elderly’s financial resources, exploiting their retirement and long-term savings, or selling their property without their awareness or consent. This is worsened by victims’ lack of knowledge of financial exploitation and their continued trust in individuals whom they trust or whom they are related to.