reverse elder abuse - Healthcare Professionals Message Board

healthylife · 06-09-2004, 11:29 PM

I'm beginning to understand the problems with malpractice insurance...
and why some doctors have quit.

I was working with an elderly client, who became attached to me.
I was probably one of the few people who "showed up" for his life.
During the time I began seeing him, he had a series of falls, and also
smashed his car. He is now on a walker, and no longer drives.

I began to distance myself, as I sensed the attachment was a potential
problem, and also, I was getting worn out frankly.

He became quite angry at my withdrawl and said he would hurt me however
he could. I tried to reach his family, and a social worker, regarding support
and his situation. However, he is causing a great deal of problems at my work place, and has begun interfering with my work.

It will cost money to file harassment papers, but I am slightly worried
because he is a "senior", that he will somehow spin it to look like I have
violated his rights, etc. I learned that he is litigous, and has created similar
problems in the past. Some of the issues are I believe that he has
also memory problems. And does not remember some of our discussions,

One option is to just ignore him. But I'd like to learn more about what
can be done in this situation with or without an attorney.

Many thanks....

Copper · 07-13-2004, 02:37 PM

Most attorney's will do a free consult. I'd sure talk to one who is familiar with elder law

purpleaa · 07-26-2004, 09:23 AM

I think it's a good idea for you to take steps now to protect yourself. If he is getting you in trouble at work, I suggest sending a written memo to your supervisor stating that you believe this person is harassing you and is making false statements to your colleagues and calling unnecessarily, and asking for guidance in how to handle it. That way, you will have documentation of your concerns before he causes more serious problems for you.

In my area, filing harassment papers means that you have to make a police report and then apply for a court restraining order. Here, police will not take a report from you unless they feel the person has violated the law--done something to make you feel alarmed or in danger,or if they fit the legal description for abuse of the phone or mail. Call the police and follow their procedure. Your phone book might have info about how to complain about abuse by phone, but again you probably would have to file a police report. If all of that fails because what he's doing doesn't meet the criteria for being against the law, you could hire a lawyer [or send your own] registered letter stating your request for him to stop his behavior. Be specific--"stop calling me at home, stop calling my workplace", etc. Then you might have recourse if he doesn't comply with your request.