By Jaine Carter
August 19, 201
After a lifetime of hard work and responsibility to others, the latter years of our lives should be the “golden years.” Unfortunately, for many, that is not the case.
Each of us is aware of an elder adult for whom we feel compassion. We may have observed that he/she appears confused and conclude that s/he may have dementia or the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease. She complains of repeated broken bones and frequently has bruises. Her children do not call or visit. Even former friends avoid her, which in itself, is a form of abuse. Instead, turn your compassion into understanding. It will help you learn how to take proactive steps to improve the life of an older person instead of avoiding him.
Why should you care? You should get involved, because it could happen to you. Elder abuse is an under recognized problem with devastating, and even life threatening, consequences. The National Center on Elder Abuse, a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, estimates that more than 500,000 older people are abused each year and that number is growing.
Elder abuse can occur anywhere; in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races. Research indicates that more than one in 10 elders may experience some type of abuse, but only one in five cases are reported. Why? Because many of us just don’t want to get involved.
“Elder abuse” refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. This includes physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and abandonment. Self-neglect is also considered mistreatment.
Physical abuse includes the use of force to threaten or physically injure a vulnerable elder. Abused elders may have slap marks, unexplained bruises, pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns.
Emotional abuse, perhaps the most devastating to the human spirit, includes verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation or belittling actions that cause mental anguish, pain or distress to a senior. Children and other close relatives may refuse to visit an older parent if they “don’t behave.” Visitation with grandchildren may be denied (article to follow).
Exploitation of older, unsuspecting citizens is a growing worldwide crisis. Many older people, especially women, are not savvy about money matters. Inexperience makes easy targets for theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to gain control over an older person’s money or property.
Learn more. Helplines include: Florida Elder Hotline: 1-800-962-8273 ; Collier County Elder Abuse Hotline at (239) 775-1101 ; the Statewide Senior Legal Helpline: 1-888-895-7873 ; and the National Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 .
Locally, Vickijo Letchworth, an Elder Abuse Response program advocate for the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, reports, “The Elder Abuse Response here at the shelter is a comprehensive program designed by the shelter to meet the unique challenges facing individuals, 50 years of age and older, who are abused by someone on whom they depend for care or support.” Programs include safety planning, access to public benefits, housing, legal advocacy, assisting with Social Security insurance and disability applications, injunctions for protection, and support groups. For more information, call (239) 775-3862 , ext 242.
Make a commitment to help an elder. Keep in contact by talking with your older friends, neighbors and relatives. Maintaining communication will help decrease their isolation. It will also give them a chance to talk about any problems they may be experiencing. Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services agency or law enforcement. If you feel that an elder is in immediate danger call 9-1-1 and explain the situation.
© 2011 Naples Daily News.
SOURCE: The Naples News
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