Elder Abuse
With more people living to very old ages and requiring extra care and support in their later years, elder abuse is on the increase. If you are concerned that an elderly loved one is being abused, we can help you seek legal protection and other support services on their behalf.
As people grow older, they often become vulnerable to abuse by their relatives, friends, neighbours, carers, and other people who are close to them. It is estimated that over 500,000 older people are exposed to abuse in the UK each year. It can happen anywhere – at home, at a care home, or in hospital. Wherever it happens, it can be difficult to spot, particularly if the older person struggles with mental capacity and communicating their thoughts and feelings.
At Coodes Solicitors, we take elder abuse extremely seriously. We understand that you only want what is best for your loved one and the realisation that they may be being abused can be devastating. We can provide advice and help you take action to stop the abuse. We can also help you access the tools you need to continue providing your elderly loved one with ongoing support and care.
With offices in Truro, Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penzance, Holsworthy, Launceston and Liskeard, we are conveniently located and easily accessible for people across Cornwall and West Devon.
How our elder abuse solicitors can help
If you are worried that an elderly family member or friend is being abused, you can rely on us to provide the legal support and guidance you need to protect them.
We appreciate the sensitive nature of these cases, particularly as it is usually someone close to the elderly person who is responsible. Your friend or relative may feel anxious or embarrassed about the situation making it hard to ascertain their true wishes; they may also be in denial or not realise that their situation could be described as abusive.
We have a dedicated Elderly Client Services team who specialise in providing advice to older people and their families. Many of our lawyers are fully qualified members of Solicitors for the Elderly, an organisation that recommends lawyers with expertise in this area. We approach cases of elder abuse considerately, keeping the older person’s best interests at heart at all times. All advice we give you will focus on promoting their happiness and welfare as well as equipping you with the tools you need to provide them with long-term care and support.
Our team also includes qualified Dementia Friends and Dementia Champions with particular experience advising people affected by dementia and their loved ones.
Our expertise includes:
- Advice about removing and/or replacing Deputies and Attorneys
- Taking steps to remedy the impact of financial abuse, such as recovering excessive gifts or handling unpaid bills (for example, care home bills)
- Providing advice to your loved one about making a Will
- Providing advice to your loved one about making a Lasting Power of Attorney to appoint someone they trust to help them in future
- Advising you about applications to the Court of Protection where your loved one lacks the capacity to make their own decisions about their welfare and/or finances, including:
- Deputyship applications – for authorisation to make decisions on your loved one’s behalf
- Statutory Wills – where your loved one cannot make their own Will
- Deprivation of liberty challenges – where your loved one’s activities and movements are being unnecessarily restricted by a hospital or care provider
Further elder abuse support
Access further help and support for concerns about elder abuse:
- The adult social services department of your local authority – to report elder abuse and access social care services for your loved one
- The Care Quality Commission – for complaints about care providers such as residential care homes and hospitals
- Your GP or your loved one’s care team – to discuss concerns about your loved one’s welfare and treatment
- Hourglass Action on Elder Abuse – free-to-call helpline on 0808 808 8141
- The police on 111 (for example, for fraud or concerns about physical abuse) or 999 in an emergency
Get in touch with our approachable solicitors in Cornwall and Devon
To arrange an initial discussion with one of our elder abuse solicitors, give us a call on 0800 328 3282 or fill in our simple online enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
We have local offices in Truro, Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penzance, Holsworthy, Launceston and Liskeard where we are happy to meet with you to discuss your matter. We can also arrange alternative meeting arrangements, such as video call, phone call and email if this is more convenient for you.
