Neglect Of Vulnerable Seniors By Family Caregivers

The horrifying stories of vulnerable seniors abused and neglected by family caregivers are enough to make even the most committed procrastinator get started on his or her estate plan.  Last year, Alton Cardwell was arrested after the death of his father Jimmy Cardwell, for whom the younger Cardwell was a primary caregiver, and now he is facing charges for manslaughter.  The father had suffered a stroke six years before his death, and the left side of his body was paralyzed.  The son took the father to the emergency room when it was obvious that his life was in danger, several days before he died, and doctors noted that he showed signs of severe neglect.  He was malnourished, with pressure ulcers on his back and shoulder, and his fingernails and toenails were severely overgrown.  The cases where a family caregiver intentionally causes a vulnerable elderly family member to suffer, including isolating the victim from people who could help, are horrible indeed, but more common are the cases where the negligent caregiver is simply overwhelmed.  If you are aware of your financial limitations but also know that your family will struggle to provide adequate care for you at home if you become incapacitated, contact an Orlando estate planning lawyer.

Most of the Time, Negligent Family Caregivers Aren’t Monsters; They’re Just Burnt Out

Neglect of a medically vulnerable family member does not happen overnight.  Seniors who have no care options other than to rely on family members who live with them in the same household tend to be the most financially vulnerable, too.  The caregivers may work long hours at low paying jobs, they may also have their own health problems, and their own childcare responsibilities, or some combination of these factors that drain their energy for caring for their elderly parent.  One night of being too tired after work to give an elderly family member a bath can easily turn into two, and then three, and then more.  The caregiver can know that he must help the patient change positions every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers, but sometimes days go by before the caregiver gets around to it.

Jimmy Cardwell had told doctors that his son did not properly care for him, and that he feared for his health when he was in his son’s care.  When police questioned Alton Cardwell, he said that he did not realize how bad his father’s health was until it was too late.  He said that he prepared food for his father several times per day, and that he bathed him several times per week.  He said that he tried to cut his father’s toenails, but his father would kick him.  Eventually, he admitted to police that months had gone by since he last gave his father a bath.

Contact Gierach and Gierach About Elder Abuse

An estate planning lawyer can help you draft an estate plan that protects you from abuse and neglect by family caregivers.  Contact Gierach and Gierach, P.A. in Orlando, Florida to discuss your case.

Source:

lawandcrime.com/crime/son-accused-in-death-of-elderly-father-found-with-infected-ulcers-and-smelling-of-rotting-flesh-sheriff/