They have charged my sister with elder abuse since she pushed my mother who is 85 years old. Do I need to get a lawyer?

Every year, thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care.  As elders become more physically frail, they are unable to fight back if attacked.  Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives; most often where abusers are likely to be adult children or other family members.

Physical elder abuse is defined as non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.  Under federal law, any physical abuse to a person over the age of 60 is categorized as elder abuse and is punishable as a crime.  Elder abuse statutes provide a range of criminal punishments from misdemeanor to felony, fines, and/or jail time.  In many cases, elder abuse may be unintentional.  It sounds as if the fight between your mother and sister got out of hand.  I would recommend that you contact an attorney who handles the laws surrounding elder abuse for a more thorough evaluation.