Issue 10.11
Recently, actor Mickey Rooney testified that he had experienced elder abuse. Rooney, 90, said that money had been stolen from him and that he had not been allowed to make important decisions. When he complained, he was told that he didn’t know what he was talking about. Every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver or being preyed upon financially. By learning the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and how to act on behalf of an elderly person who is being abused, you’ll not only be helping someone else but strengthening your own defenses against elder abuse in the future.
What is elderly abuse?
As elders become more physically frail, they’re less able to stand up to bullying and or fight back if attacked. They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them. Mental or physical ailments may make them more trying companions for the people who live with them.
Tens of thousands of seniors across the United States are being abused: harmed in some substantial way often people who are directly responsible for their care
More than half a million reports of abuse against elderly Americans reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported.
What are the different types of elder abuse?
· Physical abuse
· Emotional abuse
· Sexual abuse
· Neglect or abandonment by caregivers
· Financial exploitation
· Healthcare fraud and abuse
How to prevent elder abuse and neglect:
You can help reduce the incidence of elder abuse, but it’ll take more effort than we’re making now. Preventing elder abuse means doing three things:
· Listening to seniors and their caregivers
· Intervening when you suspect elder abuse
· Educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse
And remember, elder abuse helplines offer help for caregivers as well. Call a helpline if you think there’s a possibility you might cross the line into elder abuse.