Abuse of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

When you have suspicions that your loved one is being abused, confusion and anger quickly set it. Is she being abused? How do I find out for sure? What do I do about it? How can I hold the abuser responsible? If your spouse or parent suffers from Alzheimer’s and you think he or she is being abused in the care center or by another caregiver, know that there is help. There are various elder abuse resources, law enforcement and legal professionals like us available to help you take action and stop the abuse. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse

Types of Alzheimer’s Care Center Abuse 

Vulnerable adult abuse in care centers is far too commonplace. Up to 62 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s are abused by their caregivers, reports the Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect. In recent years, a family filed a lawsuit in Longview after a woman froze to death in the courtyard of the Alzheimer’s care facility where she was a resident. The center told the family the woman suffered a heart attack, but the family said she had been “healthy as a horse,” save dementia. They later learned from the coroner that the actual cause of death was hypothermia. Apparently, the doors to the courtyard of the care center were open and accessible to the Alzheimer’s wing. It was 28 degrees when the victim wandered outside. The victim’s husband commented, “That’s why we pay $5,000 a month — for them to look after her.” Abuse and neglect come in many forms. Other examples of types of abuse that have warranted liability lawsuits against Alzheimer’s care centers include the following. 

  • Physical abuse, e.g., slapping, pinching, squeezing, or otherwise assaulting, and causing physical pain or injury 
  • Emotional abuse, including verbal assaults, threats of harm and intimidation 
  • Neglect, such as failing to watch over, failing to help with hygiene, etc. 
  • Over- or under-medicating 
  • Sexual abuse 
  • Purposefully depriving a patient of care, treatment, food or physical assistance 
  • Confining, restraining or isolating the patient for malicious purposes 
  • Identify theft and financial exploitation 

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Case Results

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Negligence, neglect, and abandonment litigation against the State of Washington, DSHS, and Brighton Enterprises, Inc by Guardian for Vulnerable Adult

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Neglect, drowning, and cognitive impairment of a vulnerable adult under DSHS care and supervision.

$1,100,000

Nursing home wrongful death of south Puget Sound vulnerable adult neglect and abandonment.

$1,000,000

Nursing home vulnerable adult abuse, neglect and wrongful death in Thurston County.

Spotting Signs of Abuse 

Alzheimer’s patients often lack the cognitive and verbal abilities to express what’s happening to them. “People with dementia are especially vulnerable because the disease may prevent them from reporting the abuse or recognizing it. They also may fall prey to strangers who take advantage of their cognitive impairment,” explains the Alzheimer’s Association. Below are some of a few signs that a vulnerable adult is being abused. 

  • Withdrawal from people or activities 
  • Intimidation, nervousness or fearfulness, particularly around their caregiver 
  • Bruises, cuts, burns or other unexplained marks on the body 
  • Depression 
  • Change in alertness 
  • Bedsores, poor hygiene and unexplained weight loss 
  • Belittling comments, embarrassment, humiliation or threats 
  • Aggressive behaviors 
  • Strained relationship between the patient and caregiver 

When your loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s no longer is able to live on his or her own, your family will need to decide which type of facility might meet your loved one’s needs. Options include retirement housing, assisted living, nursing homes and Alzheimer’s special care units (also called memory care units). 

How Common is the Problem? 

There are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in America, and that figure is expected to grow exponentially, reaching 16 million by the year 2050, according to the Center for Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect (CEEAN) at the University of California. The CEEAN reviewed numerous research studies about Alzheimer’s and published their findings in a fact sheet, How at Risk for Abuse Are People with Dementia? Abuse is far more common that most would think – alarmingly and disturbingly so. Below are some of the organization’s findings. 

  • An estimated 20 percent of caregivers reported being worried that they might become violent toward the people with dementia for whom they cared. 
  • Up to 62 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease are abused by their caregivers. 
  • Sixty percent of Alzheimer’s patients are verbally abused; up to 10 percent are physically abused; and 14 percent are neglected. 

The CEEAN also found that abusers often have many of the same characteristics. Anxiety, symptoms of depression, a perceived burden, and the caregiver’s emotional status are all characteristics and behaviors that might indicate elder mistreatment, and so are any outward expressions of psychological aggression and physical assault behaviors. 

Why Alzheimer’s Abuse Cases Require Experienced Legal Support

Cases involving Alzheimer’s patient abuse are among the most heartbreaking and complex we handle. Due to the unique challenges of memory loss, confusion, and communication difficulties, people living with Alzheimer’s are especially vulnerable to mistreatment. Identifying, proving, and responding to abuse in these situations requires an experienced legal advocate who understands the nuances of elder care negligence. At Ron Meyers & Associates, our Alzheimer’s patient abuse lawyers in Olympia are committed to protecting your loved one and securing justice on their behalf.

The Legal Complexity of Alzheimer’s Abuse Claims

Unlike other elder abuse cases, Alzheimer’s-related abuse often involves subtle and ongoing patterns of neglect or manipulation rather than a single identifiable incident. A patient may not be able to describe what happened or recall events accurately. This makes gathering evidence and building a case significantly more difficult.

Our legal team understands how to uncover hidden signs of abuse and hold negligent parties accountable. We work with medical professionals, geriatric care experts, and other investigators to assess facility protocols, staffing levels, medication management, and caregiver behavior. Whether your loved one suffered emotional trauma, physical injury, or wrongful death due to neglect or abuse, our Alzheimer lawyers will build a strong case for compensation and accountability.

Holding Alzheimer’s Care Facilities Accountable

Families place immense trust in memory care units and Alzheimer’s facilities, expecting their loved ones will receive the safety and attention they need. Unfortunately, when understaffing, lack of training, or outright abuse occurs, these centers must be held responsible.

As an Olympia Alzheimer’s abuse attorney, Ron Meyers & Associates has represented families across Washington in cases involving physical abuse, improper restraint, neglect, medication errors, and even fatal incidents in Alzheimer’s care units. In many cases, systemic issues within the facility contributed to the abuse—such as lack of staff supervision, unsafe environments, or inadequate emergency protocols.

Pursuing a civil claim not only helps recover damages for your loved one’s suffering, medical costs, and other losses, but it can also force care centers to improve standards and prevent similar tragedies for other families.

We Are Here to Help You Take Action

If you suspect abuse or neglect of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Our compassionate team will listen to your concerns, help you understand your legal options, and act swiftly to protect your family member’s rights.

Whether you’re searching for an Alzheimer attorney for a new case or seeking a second opinion, we are here to support you every step of the way. For trusted guidance from a knowledgeable Alzheimer’s patient abuse lawyer in Olympia, reach out to Ron Meyers & Associates for a free consultation.

Our Approach to Cases of Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse

Meeting the Needs of Alzheimer’s Patients 

Alzheimer special care units are specialized types of facilities that are designed to meet the specific needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These units are sometimes part of the larger residential care facility, such as a floor or a wing of a  nursing home. It goes without saying that if you entrust your loved one’s care to an Alzheimer’s care center, you should be able to feel confident that his or her needs will be provided and that he or she will be safe. Should your loved one suffer harm or die because of the care center’s abuse or neglect, you have the legal right to hold the center liable for the harm they’ve caused. Alzheimer’s patients require a good deal of constant care and supervision. They are highly susceptible to abuse because they are very vulnerable and generally unable to articulate and report mistreatment. Harm can come to a patient at a care center either unintentionally (neglect) or intentionally (abuse). Both are unlawful and can result in criminal and civil actions. 

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse Cases

Taking Legal Action & Protecting Your Loved One 

While the presence of one of the above signs doesn’t necessarily confirm abuse, if you notice several indicators or if your instinct tells you something is wrong, report the situation to authorities. Your loved one’s well-being and very life could be at stake. It’s vital for all concerned people to protect the aged. If you feel your loved one is in danger, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement. You also can report the abuse to the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 or the local adult protective services division at 800-677-1116. Keep in mind that you don’t need to prove abuse to report it – it is up to the professionals to investigate reported suspicions.

On the civil side of Alzheimer’s abuse, as a spouse or a child of a victim of elder abuse, you should be aware that you might qualify to file an injury claim or wrongful death claim or lawsuit against the abuser or the facility. By taking civil action, you can recover damages such as medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering. Plus, although holding the wrongdoer liable in court won’t undo the harm your loved one has suffered, it will hold the abuser publicly accountable for his or her actions and perhaps give your family a sense of justice and closure. For a free consultation with Alzheimer’s patient elder abuse lawyer in Washington, contact Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC today at 844-920-2438. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse Cases

If you suspect that your loved one with Alzheimer’s is being abused, it is crucial to look for signs such as withdrawal from people or activities, bruises or unexplained marks on the body, poor hygiene, changes in alertness, or strained relationships with caregivers. It is essential to report your suspicions to the appropriate authorities and seek legal advice from professionals experienced in elder abuse cases.

Alzheimer’s patients in care centers can experience various types of abuse, including physical abuse (such as slapping or assaulting), emotional abuse (verbal assaults or threats), neglect (failure to provide proper care or assistance), over/under-medication, sexual abuse, purposeful deprivation of care or food, confinement, restraint, isolation, and even identity theft or financial exploitation.

Identifying abuse in Alzheimer’s patients can be challenging as they may lack cognitive and verbal abilities to express themselves. Some signs to look for include withdrawal from people or activities, nervousness or fearfulness around caregivers, unexplained bruises or cuts, depression, changes in alertness, poor hygiene, belittling comments or threats, aggressive behaviors, and strained relationships between the patient and caregiver.

Abuse among Alzheimer’s patients is alarmingly common. According to the Center for Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect, up to 62% of people with Alzheimer’s disease experience abuse from their caregivers. This abuse can range from verbal assaults to physical abuse and neglect.

If you suspect abuse of an Alzheimer’s patient, it is crucial to report the situation to the authorities immediately. Contact law enforcement or adult protective services in your area to report your concerns. You can also report the abuse to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association. Remember, you don’t need to prove abuse to make a report – it is up to the professionals to investigate and take appropriate action.

Yes, if your loved one with Alzheimer’s has suffered abuse or neglect in a care center or by a caregiver, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Consult with an attorney experienced in elder abuse cases to evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s has suffered harm or died due to abuse or neglect, you may have legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a personal injury claim, wrongful death claim, or a lawsuit against the responsible parties or the care facility. An attorney specializing in elder abuse cases can assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

Proving abuse or neglect in an Alzheimer’s patient abuse case requires gathering evidence. This can include medical records, witness testimonies, photographs of injuries, surveillance footage, and any other relevant documentation. An experienced attorney can assist in collecting and presenting evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Yes, if your loved one with Alzheimer’s has suffered abuse or neglect, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for various damages. These can include medical expenses, counseling costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses resulting from the abuse or neglect. Discuss your specific case with an attorney to determine the potential compensation you may be entitled to seek.

Yes, there is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a lawsuit in an Alzheimer’s patient abuse case in Washington State. The specific time frame can vary depending on the type of claim. It is crucial to consult with an attorney licensed in Washington State promptly to understand the applicable statute of limitations and ensure your claim is filed within the required time limits.

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