Elder Abuse is a serious issue. Because of their dependence the elderly are easy targets for mental, physical, and medical abuse. Choosing a nursing home for a loved one can be an agonizing decision. The best way to prevent elder abuse and ensure your loved one is receiving the best care is to be directly involved on a regular basis. Visit the nursing home often at different hours of the day to get a feel for the place. Make surprise visits to the home, and establish a relationship with the physicians and nurses. The center for Medicare and Medicaid has a rating system for nursing homes, which is very helpful. 

If you suspect that someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse you must take immediate action. First contact the Department of Social Services and file a report. The next step is to get an attorney, one who has experience with elder abuse cases. You only have a limited amount of time to file a law suit. Victims can be compensated for past, present and future medical expenses as well as damages for pain and suffering. In 1987 the Nursing Home Reform Act was passed to protect residents against all kinds of elder abuse. 

If you or someone you love has been the victim of elder abuse talk to an attorney with experience. Call your Phoenix personal injury lawyers of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.L.C at 877-366-5557. 

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to protect against elderly abuse for the first time in 17 years.  The Elder Abuse Victims Act (HR 448) provides increased funding for elder abuse enforcement at the local, state and federal levels.  In addition, the bill would require the Attorney General to conduct an abuse prevention study.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA), easily passed in the House by a vote of 397-25.  According to Sestak, between 1 and 2 million seniors have abused in the United States alone.

Rep. Sestak is a leading congressional voice on elderly rights and protection of the elderly.  He previously sponsored a bill known as the Elder Justice Act.  Rep. Sestak is known to visit retirement homes and senior citizen centers on a regular basis.  He is an advocate for greater law enforcement training to help combat abuse against the elderly.

If a loved one has been the victim of elderly abuse, please contact the Phoenix elder abuse attorneys of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.L.C. by phone at  877-366-5557.