• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC

Vermont Estate Planning Attorneys

Vermont: (802) 879-7133

Attend A Free Workshop
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Meet Our Team
    • What to Expect When Working with Us
  • Services
    • Estate Planning
    • Incapacity Planning
    • IRA & Retirement Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Medicaid Planning & Elder Law
    • Pet Planning
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Trust Administration
    • Young Families Planning
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Burlington
      • Montpelier
      • Rutland
      • St. Johnsbury
      • White River Junction
    • Estate And Gift Tax Figures
    • Free Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Elder Law
        • In-Home Elder Care
        • Medicaid
        • Planning for Long-Term Care
      • Estate Planning
        • Business Succession Planning
        • Estate and Gift Tax
        • Estate Planning for Blended Families
        • Estate Planning for Parents
        • FAQs for Families Without an Estate Plan
        • LGBTQ Estate Planning
        • Taxes on Inheritances in Vermont
      • Incapacity Planning
      • IRA & Retirement Planning
      • Gift, Estate, and Inheritance Taxes
      • Legacy Wealth Planning
      • Philanthropy and Estate Planning
      • Pet Planning
      • Revocable Living Trust
      • Special Needs Planning
      • Trust Administration
      • Trusts
      • Wills
    • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
    • Medicaid Resources
      • Medicaid Analysis Worksheet
      • Medicaid Guide
      • Vermont Medicaid
    • Newsletters
    • Presentations
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
    • SECURE Act
    • Top Estate Planning Techniques
  • Webinars/Seminars
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • BLOG
  • Contact
Home » How to Spot Signs of Elder Abuse

How to Spot Signs of Elder Abuse

August 4, 2022 by Ellen LaPlante

Essex Junction elder law attorneys

Although elder abuse is not a new problem in the United States, it is a growing problem.  The reasons for this are complex; however, the sheer number of older Americans is one contributing factor. The average life expectancy of an American has nearly doubled over the last century, causing the population of older Americans to swell. Unfortunately, this also means that elder abuse has become a very real concern. If you have a parent, or other loved one, who is part of the older demographic, you must be vigilant to ensure that they do not become a victim of elder abuse. Toward that end, the Essex Junction elder law attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC offer tips to help you spot the signs of elder abuse.

Elder Abuse Facts and Figures

Accurate figures about the prevalence of elder abuse are difficult to come by for several reasons. Because many states are just now enacting legislation making elder abuse a criminal offense, uniform reporting requirements are lacking. In addition, many victims of elder abuse are embarrassed or ashamed to be a victim and, therefore, fail to report the abuse. Finally, victims of elder abuse are often dependent on their abuser, making them fear reprisals if they report the abuse. The following facts and figures are thought to be conservative estimates relating to elder abuse:

Spotting Signs of Elder Abuse

We know that the victims of elder abuse frequently do not report the abuse. Therefore, it is up to family members and loved ones to be on the lookout for signs of abuse, including:

What Can I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse?

Any of these signs could be a sign that your loved one is the victim of elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, try to discuss the issue with your loved one. Start by explaining how common it is and reassuring them that they are not alone. Keep in mind that they will likely be reluctant to talk to you; however, if you feel as though something is wrong, it probably is.

If your loved one is in a long-term care facility, or being cared for by an in-home healthcare provider, make an appointment to speak with a supervisor and/or administrator and express your concerns. If your attempts at resolving the issue are not successful, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and make a formal complaint. At a bare minimum, they will have to investigate your complaint.

Finally, consult with an experienced elder law attorney in your area. You may need to petition to become your loved one’s guardian to ensure that he/she is removed from a dangerous environment and that something similar does not happen in the future. In addition, your loved one may have the basis for a civil lawsuit, along with criminal charges, if he/she was, indeed, the victim of elder abuse.

Contact Essex Junction Elder Law Attorneys

For more information, please attend one of our upcoming FREE webinars. If you have questions or concerns about elder abuse, contact an experienced Essex Junction elder law attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC by calling 802-879-7133 to schedule your appointment today.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante is an attorney whose mission is to provide clients with guidance in Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid Preparation. She is barred in Vermont and New York. Ellen helps clients put together unique estate plans, including assistance with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives. She also works with clients on Medicaid Planning and qualifying for Medicaid assistance.
Ellen LaPlante
Latest posts by Ellen LaPlante (see all)
  • How to Apply for Senior Medicaid in Vermont - December 11, 2022
  • Planning for the “Silver Tsunami” - November 1, 2022
  • Discharge of Indebtedness Income and Student Loan Forgiveness - October 27, 2022

Filed Under: General

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Essex Junction elder law attorneys
What You Need to Know about Elder Abuse
Essex Junction Medicaid planning attorneys
How to Apply for Senior Medicaid in Vermont
Essex Junction Medicaid planning attorneys
Does My 401(k) Account Count for Medicaid Eligibility?
Essex Junction elder law attorney
Senior Care Options
Essex Junction estate planning attorney
Do I Need an Estate Plan If I’m Single Without Children?
Essex Junction elder law attorney
How to Pick the Right Nursing Home

Primary Sidebar

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorneys

Unsworth LaPlante, PLC

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHEET

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog Subscription

Sign up to Unsworth LaPlante's estate planning blog to receive all the latest news and updates.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Essex Junction, VT

26 Railroad Ave
Essex Junction, VT 05452
United States (US)
Phone: (802) 879-7133
Fax: (802) 879-0408

Map

unsworth_sidbr_map

Office Hours

Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Footer

footer-logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The information on this Vermont Attorneys & Lawyers / Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map | Powered by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

© 2023 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.