By Sarah Lemnah
Free Press Columnist
July 21, 2008
Horrifying stories of children being abused and exploited are too common in the daily headlines. Not making the front page, but just as concerning: the 2.5 million seniors who the National Center on Elder Abuse reports are neglected, abused and exploited each year in the United States.
Abuse can take on many forms: neglect, threats, isolation, physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse and financial exploitation.
As people get older and their health declines, many seniors rely on caregivers, family and health-care professionals to help take care of them or provide services to enable them to live independently. However, the people seniors trust to take care of them sometimes become their tormenters. In Vermont alone, there are 902 people listed on the Adult Abuse Registry. Many seniors are vulnerable.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than 90 percent of seniors who are abused know their abuser. Many seniors do not know how to get out of unhealthy situations.
Abuse is not a family issue, abuse is a crime.
Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, a private, nonprofit United Way organization. For more information on services for seniors call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 642-5119 . To report abuse
Seniors deserve to be treated with respect. Abuse is abuse whether it is committed by a stranger or a loved one or whether the victim is a child or a senior. If you suspect abuse of a senior or are a victim, call:
Division of Licensing and Protection's Reporting and Complaint Helpline: 800-564-1612
Area Agency on Aging: 800-642-5119
Warning signs That are warning signs that people should look for that could indicate a senior is being mistreated:
- Seems depressed, withdrawn or isolated and never accepts invitations to spend time away from their family or caregiver;
- Seems afraid to make their own decisions;
- Seems to be hiding something about the caregiver;
- Seems to have too many household accidents and puts off going to the doctor.
SOURCE: Burlington Free Press
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