Elder Abuse Basics
October is domestic violence awareness month. Elder abuse is a type of domestic violence that is discussed less frequently than other forms of abuse. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) explains: “Experts have reported that knowledge about elder abuse lags as much as two decades behind the fields of child abuse and domestic violence.” This doesn’t mean that elder abuse doesn’t occur.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one of ten Americans, age 60 or older, has experience some form of abuse. Alarmingly, NCOA reports that only about one of every 14 cases of elder abuse get reported to law enforcement. NCOA points out: “Abusers are both women and men. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.”
Seniors deserve a safe place in which to age. They also deserve support from caregivers who treat them with kindness and empathy. If a spouse, family member, friend or professional who has agreed to provide their care is unable to provide appropriate care, then a new arrangement needs to be made. A senior should not have to suffer through an unsuitable arrangement, especially one in which he or she is enduring abuse.
Here’s what you need to know about elder abuse.
Types of Abuse
Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. Elder abuse can also take place when a caregiver neglects or abandons a senior for whom he or she is responsible.
Seniors can be especially vulnerable if they are suffering from any form of dementia or if they have lost the full range of their faculties like their hearing or eyesight. These challenges may make it harder for them to understand what is happening to them, and to figure out how to seek help.
Abuse of seniors can have deadly consequences. NCOA reports: “Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated.”
Signs of Abuse
If you notice mysterious credit cards charges or funds inexplicably missing from you bank account or your loved one’s account, these can be a sign of financial exploitation. Bruises, bumps and injuries may be a sign of physical abuse. A feeling of depression, sadness or worthlessness may be a sign of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. If you visit a loved one and find that he or she seems to be dirty or his or her room, clothing or linens are noticeably unclean, these can be signs of neglect.
Having a safe, clean and healthy environment is which to age is not a perk, it’s a requirement. If these standards are not being met, then the arrangement isn’t working. If a caregiver is not meeting the demands of the role, then a new arrangement needs to be secured.
How to help
If you are being abused or if you are concerned that someone you know is the victim of elder abuse, consider contacting Adult Protective Services to get advice and support. The National Domestic Abuse Hotline is another helpful option. You can contact help directly by using their “chat now” feature. You can also call the tollfree hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or for those who are hearing impaired 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). You can also call 911 to alert the authorities. Call 911, right away, if you feel like you are in immediate danger. No one deserves to be abused or neglected - ever. All seniors deserve a comfortable, healthy, safe place to age. Be aware and take good care of yourself and your loved ones.
Senior care from Visiting Angels West Cincinnati is provided by some of the best elder companions around. Our caregivers truly enjoy helping others and have committed themselves to treating clients with dignity and respect. Our interview process is thorough and includes a criminal background check. You can feel good about the caregiver you invite into your home to provide assistance.