It is no secret that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had the largest impact on the elderly. Across the world the people who have been most susceptible to respiratory damage of the coronavirus are those over the age of 50 and those with underlying health conditions.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus isn’t the only thing that the elderly—particularly individuals living in nursing homes and those who have caregivers—have to worry about. Elder abuse is far more common than you might think. When an elderly person’s health begins to deteriorate due to the Coronavirus, they need medical attention immediately, but this attention to care doesn’t always happen.
Sadly, this is just one example of how elder abuse has been impacting nursing home residents and the elderly across Toronto and all of Ontario since the coronavirus became a serious problem throughout the world. Continue reading to learn more about what elder abuse is during the COVID-10 pandemic and what legal options may be available to those suffering from abuse.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse frequently occurs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, but it can also take place in situations in which a family member or other caregiver is responsible for caring for an elderly person in their home. Elder abuse can take several different forms, some of which include:
- Financial abuse
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Emotional abuse
Elderly people who suffer from abuse may not be willing to talk about what they are going through, so it is important that their family members pay close attention to the potential signs of abuse, which would normally include:
- Social isolation
- Weight loss or gain
- Unexplained bruising, welts, or cuts
- Broken bones
- Mood swings
- Missing money
- Sudden changes in power of attorney
Elder Abuse During the Coronavirus Pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, we are particularly concerned with neglect. The elderly are among the highest risk for contracting COVID-19, and if their caregivers fail to take notice of the symptoms of this disease or, worse, ignore them altogether, they are even more likely to suffer the devastating impacts of the coronavirus.
It is critical that the elderly be closely monitored during these times for symptoms of the coronavirus, including shortness of breath, fever, body aches, chills, dry cough, and sore throat. If your relative’s caregiver neglected them during this pandemic and they were subsequently diagnosed with the coronavirus, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against them.
Meet with a Toronto Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse amid the Coronavirus pandemic, you may be able to secure maximum compensation for the abuse. Contact a qualified Toronto nursing home abuse lawyer at Jasmine Daya & Co. to get help with your claim. Call 416-967-9100 or fill out the quick contact form below when you are ready to get started on your case.
