As our population ages, neglect and abuse of older adults is on the increase. One cause is the growing number of families who try to provide care for their older loved ones while maintaining jobs, raising families and trying to get by during difficult economic times.
There are significant risk factors for elder abuse related to caregiving, such as the inability to cope with stress, depression, lack of support from others, the caregiver's perception that taking care of the elder is burdensome and without psychological reward, and substance abuse.
Several factors concerning elders themselves may increase their risk of abuse:
• The intensity of an elderly person's illness or dementia.
• Social isolation.
• A history of domestic violence in the home.
• The elder's own tendency toward verbal or physical aggression.
Caregivers who have support from friends and the community are better equipped to care for their loved ones. Our community has resources to help.
Caregivers who have support from friends and the community are better equipped to care for their loved ones. Our community has resources to help.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program is a federally funded program providing information, education, respite care, support groups and other services for family caregivers. Locally, these services are provided through Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging and Summit Pointe. For more information call Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0920 or visit the Web site at www.seniorhealthpartners.com.
Another resource is the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors at 1-800-347-5297. It offers free legal advice and information regarding the care of an older person. They can answer many concerns of older people, bringing peace of mind and offering real solutions.
In Calhoun County, the Elder Abuse Coalition mission is to reduce abuse of vulnerable seniors through community awareness, education, prevention and protocol. If you are interested in joining the coalition, contact Carrie Taft, Senior Health Partners, at 269-441-0920.
Carrie Taft
Senior Health Partners
SOURCE: Battle Creek Enquirer
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