Senior Cares: Elder abuse is on the rise
By Jack Cross
President of Home Instead Senior Care
Apr 02, 2009
Mary is 86 and lives alone in a small cluttered apartment. The food in the refrigerator looks long passed its “sell by” date.
Mary has been wearing the same dress for weeks, and she cannot remember when she last had a shower or a nutritious meal. Her adult son lives near but is not interested. Her adult daughter also lives near. She is somewhat involved with her mother, but she has a family and career and is unwilling or unable to improve the situation.
According to literature from the Protective Services office, you should seek help if your caregiver or a family member or acquaintance:
· Is hurting you or threatening to hurt you
· Won’t let you see friends, family or your doctor
· Is not providing food and medications (or is having medications stolen)
· Is taking money or things of value
· Is signing your name without permission
· Is asking you to sign papers you don’t understand
The reporting process, as Marissa describes it, is very straightforward. It is designed to encourage anyone who sees a possible cause for concern to take action, or anyone who feels threatened to feel secure about asking for help.
At the Elder Abuse Minuteman hotline number (781-272-7177) or the statewide hotline (800-922-2275) the caller can remain anonymous. A Minuteman staff member consults with the caller to evaluate the problem and determine whether it constitutes abuse or not.
Abridged
SOURCE: Lexington Minuteman - MA, USA
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