Elder Abuse in Maine - (USA)

Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a long life of hard work, but for many Maine seniors, the golden years are being stolen away by caregiver neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation. Whether the abuse happens in nursing homes or is inflicted by the victims own family, it's becoming a big problem in the United States and Maine is no exception.
Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a long life of hard work, but for many Maine seniors, the golden years are being stolen away by caregiver neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation. Whether the abuse happens in nursing homes or is inflicted by the victims only family, it's becoming a big problem in the United States and Maine is no exception.
According to the Maine Office of Elder Services, elder abuse often goes unreported because it is difficult to detect, and the elderly often are not in a position to advocate for themselves. In Maine, although the number of reported cases is around 2,200 a year, the Attorney General's Office estimates the number is probably closer to 14,000.
A few examples of reported cases of elderly abuse in Maine include:
• 95 year old woman, nursing home resident, physically and sexually abused by son-in-law and grandson during visits.• 37 year old man, boarding home resident, kicked in groin and stabbed with a paring knife by another resident.• 35 year old man with mental illness, involved in a series of violent outbursts toward other patients, including dislocating the shoulder of an elderly patient.• 101 year old woman, nursing home resident, slapped by C.N.A. resulting in serious facial bruises.
A few more cases, as reported in an article published in the Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel:• An 88-year-old woman bilked out of thousands of dollars by her nieces.• A 78-year-old disabled woman locked inside a room and fed only crackers and yogurt.
Whether the abuse be financial or physical, committed by family members or nursing home staff, elder abuse is finally starting to get some attention in Maine.

Elder abuse hasn't gotten as much attention as child abuse, and because of this, they are perhaps even more vulnerable than children to neglect and exploitation. Just as society worries about the rights of children, we owe it to the elderly to make sure their rights and dignity are protected during this stage of their life.

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