State Officials Highlight Growing Problem of Oregon Elder Abuse

With recent statistical reports demonstrating that elder abuse is a rising problem here in the United States, media reports here in Oregon indicate that officials at the state Department of Human Services fear our state may have become part of this disturbing trend.

According to a recent article published in The Daily Astorian, “national studies estimate 3 to 5 million seniors, aged 65 and older, have experienced abuse – but only 1 in 5 cases are reported.” Adult Protective Services agents are asking family members to keep an eye out for signs of trouble, particularly as we enter the holiday season.

Elder Abuse can take many forms, and need not be physical in nature. As an information page at the Oregon Department of Human Services’ website (see link below) outlines, Oregon elder abuse can take many forms. These may involve Oregon medical malpractice or nursing home neglect, but can also include financial exploitation or psychological and emotional trauma.

As the news website MyCentralOregon.com notes, “approximately 13% of Oregon’s population is now 65 years or older, with nearly 76,000 Oregonians having reached 85.” Those numbers speak to a need for redoubled vigilance on the part of the younger generation now charged with the care of aging parents.

If you feel that a loved one has been the victim of Oregon elder abuse or neglect, or of Oregon medical malpractice you owe it to yourself as well as the rest of your family to speak with a Portland medical malpractice attorney at the earliest possible opportunity. Because the definition of elder abuse can be so broad, and because medical malpractice can often be an extremely complicated charge to prove, skilled legal representation is essential at every stage of the process.

My CentralOregon.com: DHS: Elder Abuse An Underreported, Growing Problem

Daily Astorian: Abuse of elderly prompts warning

Resource:
Oregon Department of Human Services information page: Abuse & neglect of seniors and people with disabilities

50 SW Pine St 3rd Floor Portland, OR 97204 Telephone: (503) 226-3844 Fax: (503) 943-6670 Email: matthew@mdkaplanlaw.com
map image