Elder and family laws covered under Maryland State Statute 14-302 protect seniors and individuals who are otherwise unable to protect themselves. They initiate provisions in which authorities can step in and protect these individuals when their lives are in danger.
Protecting Against Abuse
Under these laws, anyone who is identified as an adult and incapacitated is protected under the above statute. The circumstances in which the state can step in are identified under specific categories. They include neglect, self-neglect, abuse, or exploitation. The guidelines that outline these laws cover individuals who are responsible for these individuals directly or third-parties who become involved. This covers family members, nursing home staff, and the staff caring for the individual within an institution.
During an Investigation
After a report is filed indicating that an adult is at risk, an investigation by a social worker, law enforcement agency, or medical authority is conducted. In terms of physical abuse, they look for common signs such as bruising, cuts, marks from restraints, or burns. The individual is tested to determine, if the caregiver is over-medicating them. If you believe that a caregiver is abusing your loved one, you should contact an Elder Law Attorney Charlotte NC now.
Signs of neglect are dehydration, undernourishment, and bed sores. Neglect is also indicated by a refusal to allow the individual to use devices needed for hearing, seeing, or eating. The investigator must also determine, if the caregiver is following the care instructions provided by the individual’s doctor.
Exploitation of an Incapacitated Adult
Exploitation is often utilized for financial gain. This includes unethical use of an incapacitated individual’s bank account or assets. Evidence of this form of exploitation is unwarranted transfer of funds to the caregiver’s bank account and consistently delinquent payments for the individual’s bills.
The elderly and disabled are among the victims who are abused most often. Abuse is identified by a wide spectrum of occurrences. It isn’t always as cut and dry as physical abuse. In some cases, it is the exploitation of trust, in which unethical caregiver preys upon these individuals for their own gain. If you wish to file a claim against a caregiver, contact an Elder Law Attorney in Charlotte NC today. You can also visit Business Name or their Facebook page for more information.
