Identifying and Preventing Abuse of Older People

Many families and communities globally are impacted by Elderly Abuse, which is a widespread hidden epidemic. It is paramount for society to understand and identify types of abusive behaviour and how to help prevent abuse against older adults. Elderly Abuse can also impact other people outside of the victim. The awareness surrounding Elderly Abuse is critical in preventing its impact and helping to stop it.

Early Intervention through proper education and training on how to recognize Elder Abuse is a necessity. Many forms of Elder Abuse exist, and informed and responsive actions taken with respect to the dignity and welfare of the elderly are critical.

There is a shared responsibility among all members of the community, healthcare professionals, and individuals serving as advocates, such as Claudette Spinelli Schwartz, to respond to suspected Elder Abuse and foster environments that are respectful and inclusive of seniors.

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is intentional or neglectful actions taken against older adults that result in injury or harm. Elder abuse occurs in the private home, within the community, and/or in facilities designed to care for the elderly (such as a long-term care facility). In addition, elder abuse occurs across all socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic areas, including/All-inclusive areas.

The most common forms of elder abuse include:

• Physical abuse: Using physical force to inflict pain or injury (e.g., hitting, slapping, other aggressive behaviors).
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Using intimidation and/or humiliation, isolation, or verbal attacks to cause emotional distress.
• Sexual abuse: Sexual contact that is not consensual.
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use of an elder’s finances, property, or assets.Neglect: The failure to meet basic needs of an individual, or to provide necessary medical care and/or personal hygiene

Approximately 1 out of every 10 older adults experiences some form of abuse; however, the number of older adults who are abused is likely to be much higher because abuse is often underreported. This is due to many older individuals not being aware of their rights or knowing how to report abuse.

Common Signs of Abuse

Elder abuse signs should be recognized thoroughly. Families and friends should be vigilant in monitoring these signs:

• Physical abuse – Bruises, burns, cuts, or broken bones that cannot be explained.
• Emotional abuse – Sudden changes in mood, withdrawal from many of the previous activities, and fear of individuals.
• Financial abuse – Money that disappears, unexpected changes to legal documents, unpaid bills, and new “friends” who manage their financial affairs.
• Neglect – Dirty clothing; hair that has not been washed; bedsores; weight loss; failure to obtain necessary medical treatment.

Additionally, social isolation, caregivers who refuse to allow visitors, and decreased contact with the elderly are all indications of other signs of elder abuse. The CDC has information that helps with identifying elder abuse signals.

Ways to Prevent Elder Abuse

Routine Communication with Your Elder Loved One

Check in on your elder loved one via telephone, a video call, or a visit. Checking in will help create a routine of checking in and give you a better opportunity to see any subtle changes in their mood or routine. Encourage honest communication with them, and pay attention to their concerns and complaints.

Educating and Increasing Awareness of Seniors and Their Caregivers

Educate seniors and their caregivers about potential scams and manipulative tactics, especially against seniors. Education empowers everyone to protect themselves and be alert to the signs of potential abuse.

Providing Opportunities for Healthy Social Interaction and Engagement.

Encouraging seniors to participate in senior centers, clubs, or group activities will help to support a sense of belonging while decreasing feelings of isolation and vulnerability to potential abuse. Individuals who are connected to others have an extensive network of people who are aware of their well-being and are watching out for them.

Monitoring the Financial Well-Being of Older Adults

Monitoring bank statements and financial paperwork to identify any unusual activity is important and should be carried out on a regular basis. Designating a trusted family member to manage a senior’s finances in addition to working with an objective, trained financial advisor may be of assistance when managing complex financial matters.

Reporting a Suspected Situation of Abuse

If you suspect a senior is being abused or neglected, do not hesitate to contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) and/or law enforcement agencies for assistance. If you believe the situation is an emergency and may pose a threat to the life of an older adult or to others, 911 is the appropriate number to call immediately. Most APS agencies allow individuals to report suspected elder abuse anonymously, thereby providing a level of protection to both the older adult and to the reporter from retaliation.

Organizations That Provide Resources to Help Seniors and Their Advocates

There are several organizations that provide a range of resources, information, and helplines for both older adults and their advocates that can help them navigate the resource maze:

* New York State Office for the Aging

* University of Rochester Medical Center

* Administration for Community Living – Elder Abuse

Legal Protections Available to Protect the Elderly From Abuse

Both federal and state laws create the legal framework through which abuse of older adults can be prosecuted and prevented. One significant piece of legislation is the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017. This law creates stronger penalties for individuals who abuse older adults and makes available more resources for investigating suspected incidents of elder abuse. Education regarding your legal rights can empower both seniors and caregivers to seek out justice and protection when necessary.

Conclusion

Awareness and vigilance are the first steps in preventing elder abuse. Being knowledgeable about the different forms of abuse, recognizing early identification indicators, and taking advantage of available resources will facilitate taking proactive steps to protect your loved ones from being victimized by elder abuse. By utilizing education, communication, legal protection, and community support together, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for the elderly.

Visit the rest of the site for more interesting and useful articles.