Reporting Elder Abuse - Part 2

It is impossible to list all the available links that helps you in recognising elder abuse and to report it to the proper authority in every country. However, over the next few weeks, I will attempt to post the major ones on this blog.


UK Resources:

Recognise and report elder abuse

Elder abuse is the violation of an elderly individual's human and civil rights by any person. If you're concerned that you might be at risk, or are worried about a friend, relative or client, there are ways to help.

How to recognise elder abuse
Elder abuse may happen once or regularly over short or long periods of time.
The abuse can be:

· physical – hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication, inadequate monitoring of prescriptions

· psychological – emotional abuse, threats of harm, threats of leaving or stopping care, lack of human contact and stopping access to people who can advise or help

· sexual – all unwanted sexual acts

· financial or material, including theft from the abused person, fraud, or coercion regarding wills and any financial transactions

· neglectful or just not doing something, for example ensuring that the person is eating or is warm or clean
· discriminatory – racist, sexist, exploiting disability or other forms of harassment or slurs
There are some tell-tale signs to look for:

· unexplained bruising, fractures, open wounds and welts, and untreated injuries
· poor general hygiene and weight loss
· helplessness and fear – or any sudden change in behaviour
· unexplained changes in a person's finances and material well-being
· questionable financial or legal documents or the disappearance of those documents
·
· More on elder abuse (opens new window)

Reporting to the police
Some types of abuse - including assault (sexual or physical) and theft and fraud – are criminal offences and should be reported to the police, which may lead to prosecution following a criminal investigation.
You may feel too afraid to report abuse, especially if your carer is the abuser. But you are entitled the protection of the law and to dignity and respect. Anyone concerned about a friend, relative or carer who is being abused needs to take action to prevent further abuse and protect others.
· Crime and taking action (crime, justice and the law section)

How to make a complaint

You can also make a complaint. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates care homes and inspects every care home registered by them. Any registered care provider must, by law, have a complaints procedure. Services have rules about the staff they employ and the standards of care they provide.
To make a complaint, call the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) helpline on 0845 015 0120.
Most local authorities have procedures for investigating cases of abuse, and you can complain to the council about any services they provide.
· Find your local authority
· Standards of care and how to make a complaint on the Commission for Social Care Inspection website (opens new window)

If you or a relative is in hospital and not being cared for properly you can make a complaint to the NHS.
· Making a complaint to the NHS (opens new window)

Full-text from Direct Gov.Uk Source

"elder abuse"