Archive for June, 2010

Elder Abuse Attorney Discusses Ways to Choose a Caregiver

Many of us are faced with the decision at some point in our life to put a loved one in a long term care facility or the hire a private caregiver to take care of them in the privacy of their own or even our own home. The decision is never easy and never one that we want to make. Most of us would like to be able to provide all the care our loved one needs without help from other caregivers. The reality, however, is that many times we just can not do it alone. As the population of seniors in America grows exponentially, so do the care options available for them. Sadly, the incidents of elder abuse have also grown in number over the last few decades. Estimates are that well over a million elders are physically, mentally, emotionally or financially abused every year in the United States. So what can you do as a family member or loved on to try and prevent your loved one from becoming the victim of elder abuse, or if the worst happens and you suspect they have been abused what can you do?

When hiring an in-home private caregiver try the following tips:

1. Always get references and contact them before an interview
2. Do a thorough interview of the applicant with prepared questions
3. Check academic records
4. Do a criminal background check
5. Introduce the applicant to your loved and watch the interaction
6. After you have hired the caregiver, stop in at unexpected times to see how your loved one is being cared for.

When considering a long-term care facility, consider the following tips:

1. Check with local and state regulating agencies for complaints that have been filed against the agency.
2. Ask about the credentials of the staff and the patient to staff ratio.
3. Make an unscheduled visit and ask to tour the facility.
4. Talk to some of the patients and get a feel for how they are treated.
5. Talk to some of the staff and physicians to get an idea of what their philosophy of care is.
6. After you have placed your loved one in the facility, continue to make unscheduled visits.

After you have made a decision to hire a caregiver or place your loved one in a long-term care facility, watch your loved one closely for signs of abuse. These can be physical signs such as bruising, restraint marks or unexplained injuries or they can be more subtle psychological signs such as withdrawal or a change in behavior or personality.

If you suspect that your loved one has suffered any type of elder abuse, whether it be by a private caregiver or a long-term care facility, contact a lawyer immediately. Abuse, neglect or mistreatment of an elder may be the grounds for an elder abuse personal injury lawsuit. Contact an experienced California elder abuse attorney to find out what you can do to hold the caregiver or facility responsible for any abuse your loved one has suffered. An elder abuse attorney is available to answer any of your questions and would be happy to give you a detailed evaluation of your case.

Originally published here.


Karen Thompson admires lawyer and likes watching investigative series in television. She finds happiness in helping and inspiring others through charity projects. She idolize her attorney cousin who supports her at all times.


At Least 370 Texas CPS Workers Have Criminal Histories

Social Workers with Criminal History including, Assault, Theft, Prostitution, Selling Alcohol to MINORS, Burglary, DWI, DUI, Domestic Violence, INDECENT EXPOSURE, Possession of COCAINE AND MARIJUANA

Federal Court Cases Demand New Laws Concerning Cyberbullying

The most recent of the federal court cases brought up under charges of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is Lori Drew v. United States.  This law was the last line of defense in relation to wicked acts of cyberbullying.  The Wild West frontier of the Internet is quickly coming to a head because parents demand that their children are protected from cyber-crime and cyberbullying.

In all likelihood, this recent federal court case will pave the way for new legislation.  In May 2009, President Barack Obama announced the position of Federal Cybersecurity to be put under scrutiny and more directly in the hands of the White House.  Although most of the immediate attention is due to the recent security breach in U.S. government computers thought to be related to North Korea, this movement could also mean better protection domestically.

This couldn’t come at a better time when on July 2, 2009, Lori Drew had all charges dropped in her federal court case because the CFAA wasn’t designed to prosecute those that made up false profiles on social networking sites.  If this were the case, we’d have a lot of federal court cases…

What really happened in this case?  Lori Drew’s daughter and Megan Meier didn’t get along.  Lori Drew was a somewhat deranged mother who thought that making a false profile online would get back at Megan Meier.  She took on the personality of “Josh Evans” and started a romantic online relationship with Megan, only to break up with her later and tell her that the world would be better off without her.  Megan Meier hanged herself in October, 2006.

It just goes to show you really have no idea who is going to decide to make prey of your child online.  Lori Drew, a 50-year-old woman, decided to mentally torture a 13-year-old girl because of hard feelings.  All three charges of a misdemeanor were dropped in one of the most important federal cases because the law simply didn’t state anything about cyberbullying.  Missouri courts wouldn’t even touch the case.

Until the government enacts laws protecting our children, the task of monitoring our children online is up to us.  This could mean installing spyware to track your child’s online activity or putting parental blocks on your computer.  However, no soundproof insurance policies are offered.  It is up to you to do your own investigative work and research any and all potential threats to your child.  While stiffer penalties for cyberbullying are imminent, protect your children and pay close attention to their friendships and relations in the meantime.

Originally published here.


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