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Elder abuse is dark and ugly. It happens in residential centers, at home, in your neighbor's family, in medical facilities. It can happen anywhere there are older people who have a difficult time advocating for or defending themselves and their rights. Abuse of older people is not limited to dementia patients. It doesn't only happen to extremely old people, and it is not limited to physical abuse.
Denying any individual their personal safety or their rights is abuse. Mishandling someone's personal finances is abuse. Neglect is, too.
Margaret, 78 years old and sharp as a tack, had health issues that required medication. A private duty practitioner came in daily to coordinate her medications and supervise some routine activities.
It soon became apparent the employee was siphoning off pain medication to sell, thus denying Margaret the safety of appropriately dispensed medication. That's abuse.
Experts at recognizing abuse, like the Administration on Aging (AoA) strongly advise that if you suspect someone is being mistreated, report what you know to your community's adult protective services agency. Your police department can tell you how to contact them -- and you can remain anonymous.
Thousands of older people are victimized each year. But you may not know first-hand of such problems, or even recognize warning signs. But there are ways you can help.
Familiarize yourself with the facts about elder abuse. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper advocating public awareness. Volunteer at a program for frail or elderly people. Visit older neighbors, friends or family members who live alone or may be at risk.
The AoA says this about defining elder abuse:
"Elder abuse is an umbrella term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult."
- Physical abuse is inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.
- Sexual abuse is the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
- Financial or material exploitation is the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
- Neglect is the refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.
- Self-neglect is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health or safety.
- Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
Though most victims are women, men can be abused as well, and need help as much as their female counterparts. Keep your eyes and ears open. Often, older people feel they should suffer in silence. Sometimes they even feel they must deserve being treated badly, so they say nothing.
Don't be afraid to speak up, but remember that any person has the right to refuse help.
Janet, a daughter visiting her father in an upscale and well-run residence for dementia patients, was surprised at what she saw when she visited at an off-time one day.
Usually, staff was kind, tolerant, and seemed to enjoy working with the residents. But as Janet came around a corner late one evening on her dad's floor, she heard a commotion and saw a young staff member grab a patient harshly by the arm, shouting, "Ok, I said move it!"
Janet stepped back and said nothing. A few minutes later, she heard the same aid jeering at an older woman. This time, Janet stepped up and made eye contact with the aid, but said nothing.
Janet went home, deciding what she had seen wasn't serious. But she still felt concerned. Deciding to say something to the administrator, she phoned next day and reported what she had seen.
After investigating, the administrator learned that the aid, who was new on that floor, had a growing problem with controlling her temper and being tolerant. She didn't hurt anyone physically, but she was emotionally abusive. She was dismissed. If Janet had kept quiet, more time would have passed and the aid would have upset more patients, worse yet, she might have escalated her hostility.
Here are some warning signs, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse:
- Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
- Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
- Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
- Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
- Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs. Read our article on Family Caregivers for more information about how caregivers can prevent elder abuse.
If you are a victim, yourself, remember there is help available as close as your telephone.
More:
Important Caregiving Links for seniors and their families.
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