While it is hard to estimate how many older persons are abused each year, one study suggests that 500,000 Americans are abused, neglected and exploited by family members and others. The study also estimated, however, that only about 16 percent of abuse cases are reported. The Senate Special Commission on Aging estimates that there may be as many as 5 million victims of elder abuse a year.
The study also found that domestic elder abuse has increased 150 percent.
In addition:
551,011 people, age 60 and over, experience abuse, neglect, and/or self-neglect in a one-year period.
· The perpetrator was a family member in 90 percent of cases. Two-thirds of the perpetrators were adult children or spouses.
Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but all states have set up reporting systems. Generally, adult protective services (APS) agencies receive and investigate reports of suspected elder abuse.
Older adults can take the following precautions to help keep themselves safe from abuse:
· Maintain a social life. Stay in touch with old friends and neighbors if you move in with a relative or change your address. Have a buddy outside the home check in with you at least once a week. Invite friends to stop by your house even if they only stay for a brief period.
· Stay open to opportunities. Make new friends. Continue participating in community activities.
· Retain control over your telephone and mail. If your mail is being intercepted, discuss the problem with postal authorities.
· Organize your belongings so you can keep track of everything. Make sure others are aware that you know where everything is kept.
· Try to be in control of attending to your personal needs. Keep regular appointments with your doctor, dentist, barber or hairdresser.
· Maintain financial control. Arrange to have your Social Security or pension check deposited directly to a bank account in your name.
· Maintain legal control. Obtain legal advice about possible future disability, including powers-of-attorney, guardianships, or conservatorships. Be sure to keep records, accounts, and property available for examination by someone you trust, as well as by the person you or the court has designated to manage your affairs. Review your will periodically. Only give up control of your property or assets at a time when you decide you cannot manage them.
· Be sure to ask for help when you need it. Discuss your plans with your attorney, physician or family members.
Other precautions to take to prevent elder abuse:
· Don't live with a person who has a background of violent behavior or alcohol or drug abuse.
· Don't leave your home unattended, or if you do, don't leave signs that you are not home. Don't leave notes on the door; if you must be away for a long period, notify the police.
· Don't leave cash, jewelry or other valuables.
· Don't accept personal care in return for giving the caregiver transfer or assignments of your property or assets unless a lawyer, advocate or another trusted person acts as a witness to the transaction.
· Don't sign a document unless someone you trust has reviewed it, and don't allow anyone to keep details of your finances or property management from you.
Last Reviewed on 12 Oct 2005
Last Reviewed By: Catherine Shu
Sources:
· National Elder Abuse Incidence Study
· Adult Protective Services
· Elder Abuse Center
Article from Psychology Today
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