Abuse of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

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.