Elder Abuse In San Diego: How Can It Be Prevented?

It was recently reported by CBS 8 in San Diego that two male nurses, Russel Toralba and Alfredo Ruiz, would face elder abuse charges for neglecting to care for victims, including a 99-year-old stroke patient at healthcare facilities in the Mira Mesa part of San Diego. The news report states that the two male nurses were caught on camera fondling each other in the patient's room. If the two defendants are convicted, they could face up to six years in prison.

While this case of elder abuse is not an especially malicious one, it still serves to highlight a larger point: elder abuse is unacceptable in any form and measures must be taken to put an end to this practice. Unfortunately, it can be hard for the average person to learn about cases of elder abuse, especially if these acts are perpetrated by someone very close to the victim.

Elder Abuse: How Big Is The Problem?

According to a study conducted by the Department of Health & Human Services, about 7.6% to 10% of elderly people will face abuse at some point in their life. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine the exact size of the problem simply because abuse victims often stay silent, for fear of getting their abuser in trouble. This makes sense when you consider that in 9 out of every 10 cases of elderly abuse the perpetrator is someone in the victim's family.

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In cases where Alzhiemer's or dementia are a concern, financial elder abuse is also prevalent because the victims are unable to put the clues together or keep track of their finances.

How Private Investigators Can Catch Elderly Abuse

Are you worried that your elderly loved one is suffering from elderly abuse? It is a legitimate fear that must be addressed properly, as elderly abuse can cause serious emotional and physical damage if no one puts a stop to it. Hiring a private investigator is one of the best things that you can do to find out about incidents of elder abuse, for several reasons:

  • Private investigators understand how to conduct surveillance services. If you have hired a home caretaker for your loved one and believe that this caretaker is being abusive, a private investigator will be able to detect this behavior and give you evidence that proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt
  • Private investigators can conduct advanced background checks on prospective caretakers. Maybe you are thinking about hiring someone to look after your loved one when you are not around. With a complete background check from a private investigator, you will have a much better idea of what kind of person you are really hiring and whether or not you can trust them with the well-being of your loved one
  • A private investigator will also be able to conduct interview services. Was there a case of elderly abuse where your loved one might have been hurt while witnesses were around? A good private investigator will be able to tactfully talk to these witnesses and help them remember what they saw, which will give you a better chance of getting to the bottom of the abuse case once and for all

It is a sad situation when an elderly person who has spent their entire life contributing to society gets abused, especially when the abuse comes from someone who is close to the victim. Although an unfortunate number of elder abuse cases will never come to light, there are ways that you can stop your loved ones from being abused.

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Hire a private investigator in Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, or anywhere else you need help identifying and putting an end to elderly abuse. Contact Linked Investigations and ask how our advanced background checks and surveillance services can help. 714-432-9911

Image Credit: Flickr Commons - speedywaystar

Published on: 
November 12, 2014
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