Elder abuse can be quite common, but that doesn't mean it's okay or should be tolerated. Many older adults rely heavily on their family members or hired caregivers to help them with everyday tasks, such as eating, bathing, paying bills, cleaning the house, and making sure they take necessary medications on time.

This responsibility can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful for caregivers, opening the door to abuse. If you suspect a loved one is being abused, use these tips from a senior law attorney to get them out of the way. If you want to know more about Tempe Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney then you may search online.

Understand abuse and how to detect it

Abuse can be mental, physical, or even financial, or it can be as simple as being neglected or abandoned. It comes in many forms and can be a one-time occurrence or an ongoing situation, so knowing what to look for is important.

What to do with a hired caregiver?

If it's a hired caregiver abusing your elderly relative, your solution is simple: just fire him. If possible, try to let them go immediately without giving them two weeks' notice. This notice period could give the caregiver ample opportunity to further harm their family member. If you hired this person from an agency, be sure to tell them objectively why you are letting go of the employee. They need to know about any potential issues so they can protect their other customers.

Involve an attorney specializing in senior law if the abuser is a family member

Sometimes the abuser turns out to be a family member. While this is a sad situation, it is actually quite common. The stress of caring for a loved one full-time can sometimes lead to neglect and abuse. While this is not an excuse, the situation must be addressed immediately.

If you suspect that caregivers are abusing a loved one, watch out for these signs. Also, do not hesitate to contact attorneys who specialize in senior law for assistance if necessary.