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Any Charges Reported on this blog are Merely Accusations and the Defendants are Presumed Innocent Unless and Until Proven Guilty, through the courts.

May 19, 2009

Tips on Spotting Elder Abuse (USA)

May 17, 2009

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, definitions and statistics on elder abuse vary but researchers agree abuse of the elderly falls within five categories. Listed below are these categories and signs to watch for:

1. Physical abuse (non-accidental physical force that results in injury)

Indicators: fractures and dislocations, lacerations and abrasions, burns, injuries to the head, scalp, face and bruises on upper arms from shaking, around wrists or ankles from being tied down, inside thighs or arms.

2. Sexual abuse (non-consensual sexual contact).


Indicators: sexually transmitted diseases and or pain, itching, bleeding or bruising in the genital area.

3. Psychological abuse (mental anguish as a result of threats, intimidation, humiliation and other such conduct)

Indicators: low self-esteem, overly anxious and withdrawn, mood swings, depression, suicidal behavior, confusion, disorientation.

4. Financial abuse (unauthorized used of funds or property)


This can be difficult to detect but can include change in spending habits such as canceling a planned trip or a reduction in food and medication.

5. Neglect (failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation)

Indicators may include poor personal hygiene, signs of over- and under-medication, elder dressed poorly and possibly in soiled clothes, elders left alone and deprived of stimulation and affection, malnutrition.


Resources:

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office toll-free fraud hot line, (866) 498-8503.

Oakland County S.A.V.E Task Force (Serving Adults who are Vulnerable and/or Elderly) was launched in 2005 to increase awareness about elder abuse. Its "Help Is Out There" booklet contains information on warning signs of abuse and how to give and receive help,oakgov.com/seniors/elder_abuse/index.html.

Michigan Department of Human Services' Adult Protective Services is for anyone who might suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Call Macomb County, (877) 412-6109; Oakland County, (866) 975-5010; National Adult Protective Services Association Web site,apsnetwork.org.

Long-term care ombudsman offers help with long-term care issues, (866) 485-9393.

Michigan Protection and Advocacy provides assistance for the disabled, (800) 347-5297.

Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors provides free legal advice and information and/or referral to a local attorney for seniors 60 and older, (800) 347-5297.

Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide membership organization that provides programs, activities, technical assistance, training and resources to benefit domestic and sexual violence survivors, (517) 347-7000.

National Center for Victims of Crime helpline is staffed 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, (800) 394-2255; gethelp@NCVC.org; Web site, ncvc.org.

National Center on Elder Abuse, Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly, (302) 831-3525; www.ncea.aoa.gov.

National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, (202) 682-4140,preventelderabuse.org.


Abridged
SOURCE:   Daily Tribune
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Any Charges Reported on this blog are Merely Accusations and the Defendants are Presumed Innocent Unless and Until Proven Guilty.

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