What Is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse
can be an intentional act (abuse) or a lack of knowledge/ability
to provide care to an older person (neglect). Elder
abuse can occur in a variety of ways that include
assaultive acts, neglect, financial exploitation and/or
psychological or emotional mistreatment. An elderly
person is defined as someone who is age 65 or older.
Assault includes causing pain and/or injury by molesting,
slapping, bruising, forced sex, cutting, burning,
restraining.
Neglect includes refusal or failure to provide adequate
care, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and/or medical
aides (glasses, dentures, walkers).
Financial exploitation includes illegal or improper
use of cash, credit cards, funds or other assets.
Psychological/emotional mistreatment includes mental
suffering or despair caused by name calling, yelling,
insulting, ignoring, isolating, threatening, or demanding
acts.
Abuse may also include the violation of basic rights
such as the right to worship as one chooses, the right
to assembly, the freedom to be left alone, and the
right to handle oneís personal and financial
affairs unless declared incapable of doing so by due
process of law.
Indicators Of Elder Abuse. Signs
of elder abuse are noticeable changes in physical
conditions and behavioral patterns such as:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns
- Increased physiological pain
- Dehydration or malnourishment
- Overly medicated without cause
- Unusual confinement
- Lack of cleanliness or grooming
- Fearful to speak in front of caregiver
- Shame, anxiety, embarrassment
- Sudden change in mental status
- Unusual or large bank withdraws
- Unexpected closing of bank accounts
- Transfer of assets, deeds, trusts
The signs of elder abuse listed above are generally
a combination of factors.
General Profile Of The Abused:
- Most often female
- Physically or mentally impaired
- Dependent physically or mentally
- Frequently exhibits behavior problems
General Profile Of The Abuser: The
profile of a person that abuses the elderly may vary
but generally can be categorized in one or more of
the following:
- Often a family member/caregiver inexperienced
in providing care
- Exhibits ineffective coping skills
- Under financial strain
- Multiple personal problems
- Substance abuser (drugs/alcohol)
- Marital conflict or difficulties
- Violent family history
- Intimidating behavior
- Socially isolated with poor self-image
Where To Get Help If Elder Abuse Is Suspected.
If alleged abuse occurs in the community, reports
of the abuse may be made to Adult Protective Services
or Law Enforcement. If the alleged abuse occurs in
a residential care home or nursing home, reports of
the abuse may be made to Law Enforcement or the Long
Term Care Ombudsman Program. In case of emergency
and/or immediate attention is required, call 911.
Degree of emergency will determine the way abuse should
be reported, defined as follows:
What Happens When Elder Abuse Is Reported.
Department of Human Services/Adult Protective
Services, Law Enforcement, and the Long Term Care
Ombudsman Program, as the primary agencies with a
mandate to receive reports of elder abuse, will investigate
and take action to correct or remedy the situation,
with the consent of the alleged victim. Any action
taken is guided by the principles of the least restrictive
intervention and an individualís right to self-determination.
