Couple facing elder abuse charges
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The constant screams of an elderly woman finally led police to arrest a couple in connection with those screams. The Ontario couple who were suspected of elder abuse have been charged with failing to provide the necessities of life to a person in their care. Residents of Thorold, they are themselves elderly — the accused man being 87 and his wife, 70.
A neighbour initially alerted police to the alleged screams coming from the home, but she was told there was nothing that could be done. The woman’s curiosity got the best of her, and she peaked through a window to see an elderly woman on a bloodied mattress in what she called frightening circumstances. Cops took the case seriously when another resident asked them to conduct a welfare check at the home.
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In a media release, police said they found a 63-year-old woman in a back room of the building in a state they called unacceptable and abandoned. They aren’t saying if the door to the room was locked. She was transported to hospital where she is expected to recover fully. Police are continuing their investigation and believe there may be other victims.
In an aging population, elder abuse is becoming more prevalent. Those who believe themselves to be victims of this serious crime have the right to speak with an Ontario lawyer regarding how they can go about seeking legal recourse. Family members who have loved ones who have suffered abuse also have that right. After hearing a client’s story, a lawyer might be able to advise a client about the first steps to take in the compensation process.
Source: stcatharinesstandard.ca, “Thorold couple charged with elder abuse“, Allan Benner, April 13, 2018
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