Laws Should Help Stop Elder Abuse, Not Deter Reporting

By Laura Wright

02/05/09

 As a gerontologist/social worker, it was interesting to see the two-sided spectrum of the aging experiences recently featured in The News. The first article, “Attempted murder charged in case of elder abuse,” reported that a 49-year-old woman attempted to smother an elderly family member who was living in an assisted living center. The second was the very moving My View, “Mom’s beautiful smile is a gift to be treasured.” I deeply related to it as my mother is currently under Hospice care, and she too has a beautiful smile, under any circumstances.

The articles bring to mind some issues. Some laws that are meant to protect elders inadvertently further endanger them when warning signs are ignored due to sanctions against nursing homes and other care facilities. Though meant to give strong incentive to protect patients, they often lead to a lot of underreporting, as well as offer no legal means of limiting family members who are under suspicion, even if there is direct proof.

Both family members and staff who have concerns are left with little recourse for reporting due to shock, fear of disbelief, concern for one’s job and fear of retribution. Imagine the pain and guilt that loving family members and even staff experience when they have no idea where to turn if they have knowledge or suspicion of abuse. Lawmakers need to broaden the laws that help to stop abuse, not to stop reporting. 

Laura Wright

Amherst

SOURCE:    The Buffalo News

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