Chicago Elder Abuse Lawyers: Two Daughters Charged with Neglecting Their Mother Testify At Their Criminal Trial
In Kane County Circuit Court, two women that are accused of neglecting their elderly mother testified at their criminal trial on Friday. Julie and Jill Barry are charged in Illinois with criminally neglecting an elderly person.
Mary died in 2007. Her daughters were charged with neglecting her after paramedics that arrived at their home discovered the 84-year-old woman living in poor conditions and suffering from serious bedsores. She passed away from cancer complications at a hospital the following week.
Both women maintain that they never abused their mother. They say they provided her with the care that she needed, including bathing her on a regular basis. They also claim that they didn't realize she was suffering from serious bedsores.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a serious matter that can occur anywhere. Not all elder abuse cases occur in US nursing homes. Abuse and neglect of the elderly is also known to take place in private residences. Nursing home workers, professional caregivers, and family members tasked with caring for an elderly person have all been known to commit elder abuse.
According to the American Psychologist Association:
• For every elder abuse or nursing neglect case reported to police, as many as five cases may go unreported.
• Studies show that elderly people that are abused tend to die earlier even than those who are very sick but are not elder abuse victims.
• Most elder neglect and abuse cases happen in private homes behind closed doors.
• Elder abuse can consist of physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and/or financial abuse.
Daughters defend care of elderly mother, Chicago Tribune, May 30, 2009
Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions, APA
Related Web Resources:
If someone you love has been the victim of elder abuse, our Chicago elder abuse lawyers can help you explore your legal options. There are ways to hold the abuser accountable through the criminal and civil courts.
