If you have an elderly loved one who is suffering from dementia, they may need the type of care only offered in a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, their condition itself could make that living situation precarious, as it can increase the odds of elder abuse.
We recently discussed how memory issues can make abuse more likely. Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. But it can go far beyond that, and it’s important for family members to understand why and how abuse happens.
Other symptoms of dementia
The key thing to consider is that dementia has a variety of symptoms.
For example, some elderly individuals struggle with reasoning. This could make them more vulnerable to manipulation. Tactics that are clearly manipulative or deceptive to an outsider may not trigger the same warning signs for someone with dementia.
Communication problems also often happen after dementia sets in. This could increase the odds of abuse because the abuser knows it will be difficult or perhaps impossible for the elderly person to tell anyone else what’s happening—even if they understand that the abuse is taking place.
Two other common symptoms are disorientation and confusion. These can make it easier to hide abuse, as the elderly individual may not be sure what’s going on. It can also increase the odds of gaslighting. The abuser may use gaslighting as a way to manipulate the elderly individual, making them question what’s really happening or even believe that the abuse is their own fault.
Taking legal steps
If you believe your elderly loved one is being abused, the situation can be very complex if they have dementia or other such ailments. Be sure that you know exactly what legal steps to take.
