As generations of Americans age and increasingly live longer, fuller lives, we have a population of adults who may be in relatively good health, but who suffer from dementia, which can range from relatively mild to severe and constant in nature. When this situation occurs, families often have to relegate some caregiving duties to nursing homes or other outside healthcare agencies. Difficulties can arise, however, when a caregiver abuses a patient, and he or she is unable to get help or report the abuse due to struggles with dementia.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, Administration on Aging, elderly individuals who suffer from dementia are more likely to experience abuse than those individuals who do not have dementia. This is no small problem. Statistics show that about 5.1 million Americans suffer from dementia, and up to 65% of all individuals ages 85 and older suffer from some sort of dementia, keeping in mind that this age group is the fastest growing group in our population. Furthermore, given the inability in many cases of these individuals to report abuse, it is likely that researchers have vastly underestimated the numbers of dementia patients who have sustained abuse. The different studies on this issue show an abuse and neglect rate for patients with dementia ranging anywhere from 27.5% to 55% of this population.
Almost half of dementia patients who experienced abuse or neglect did so at the hands of their own caregivers. Over 88.5% of these individuals suffered psychological abuse, almost 20% experienced physical abuse, and almost 30% experienced neglect. Additionally, about half of caregivers surveyed admitted to being abusive to a dementia patient at some point during their caregiving duties.
The Wisconsin nursing home abuse lawyers of Boller & Vaughan know how devastating it can be when you entrust your loved one to the care of others, only to have that trust completely betrayed. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and those of your loved ones in all types of circumstances. We handle nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a daily basis, and we know how to get the relief to which you may be entitled. Don’t hesitate to fight back against a neglectful or abusive nursing care and assistance living facility that has caused harm to your loved one. Call us today and see how we can help.
As individuals age, they can grow increasingly vulnerable and dependent upon third parties for assistance with medical care and daily living activities. There are a variety of factors that can combine to increase an older […]
Under Wisconsin law, each county is required to appoint an agency as the elder-adult-at-risk agency. In turn, this agency must establish an elder abuse reporting system, along with a policy for alerting other investigative agencies, […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
