Enough is
enough
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Why Should I
Care About Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is an under recognized problem with devastating
and even life threatening consequences.
Every day, headlines throughout the
U.S. paint a grim picture of seniors
who have been abused, neglected, and
exploited, often by people they
trust the most. Abusers may be
spouses, family members, personal
acquaintances, or professionals in
positions of trust, or opportunistic
strangers who prey on the
vulnerable.
How big is the problem? Research
indicates that more than one in ten elders may experience some type of abuse,
but only one in 23 cases are reported. This means that very few seniors who
have been abused get the help they need.
One thing is for certain: elder abuse
can happen to any older individual –
your neighbor, your loved one – it
can even happen to you.
What
is Elder Abuse?
In general, elder abuse refers to
intentional or neglectful acts by
a caregiver or “trusted” individual
that lead to, or may lead to,
harm of a vulnerable elder. Physical
abuse; neglect; emotional
or psychological abuse; verbal abuse
and threats; financial
abuse and exploitation; sexual
abuse; and abandonment are
considered forms of elder abuse. In
many states, self-neglect is
also considered mistreatment.
TYPES
OF ELDER ABUSE
•Physical abuse: Use of force to
threaten or physically injure an elder
•Emotional abuse: Verbal attacks,
threats, rejection, isolation, or belittling acts that cause or could cause
mental anguish, pain, or distress to a senior
•Sexual abuse: Sexual contact that
is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise coerced upon an elder, including
anyone who is unable to grant consent
•Exploitation: Theft, fraud, misuse
or neglect of authority, and use of undue
influence as a lever to gain control
over an older person’s money or property
•Neglect: A caregiver’s failure or
refusal to provide for a vulnerable elder’s safety, physical, or emotional
needs
•Abandonment: Desertion of a frail
or vulnerable elder by anyone with a duty of care
•Self-neglect: An inability to
understand the consequences of one’s own actions or inaction, which leads to,
or may lead to, harm or endangerment
Remember: You do not need to prove that
abuse is occurring; it is up to the
professionals to
investigate the suspicions.
Who
is at Risk?
Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in
the home, in nursing homes,
or other institutions. It affects
seniors across all socio-economic
groups, cultures, and races. Based
on available information, women
and “older” elders are more likely
to be victimized. Dementia is a
significant risk factor. Mental
health and substance abuse issues
– of both abusers and victims – are
risk factors. Isolation can also
contribute to risk.
WARNING
SIGNS
•Physical Abuse: Slap marks, unexplained
bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette
burns
•Neglect: Pressure ulcers, filth, lack
of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration
•Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal from
normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual
behavioral changes
•Sexual Abuse: Bruises around the
breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
•Financial Abuse/Exploitation: Sudden
change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank
withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or
“gifts” and loss of property
What
Should I Do if I Suspect Elder Abuse?
»REPORT YOUR CONCERNS
Remember: Most cases of elder abuse
go undetected. Don’t assume that someone has already reported a suspicious
situation. To report suspected abuse in the community, contact your local Adult
Protective Services agency. For state reporting numbers, visit the NCEAwebsite
at www.ncea.aoa.gov or call the Eldercare
Locator at 1-8 0 0 - 67 7-1116.
»IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN A
LIFE THREATENING SITUATION OR IMMEDIATE DANGER,contact 911or the local police
or sheriff.
»TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE IN A
NURSING HOME OR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY, contact your state specific agency. To
find the listing, visit the Long Term Care Ombudsman website.
For More information on Elder Abuse
and Adult Protective Services in Illinois got to: http://www.illinois.gov/aging/ProtectionAdvocacy/Pages/abuse.aspx
For the Flyer from National Center
on Elder Abuse “12 Things that Anyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse, go to:
Together, we have the power to prevent elder abuse.
