Aging Well: Awareness key to stopping elder abuse
Former Adult Protective Services supervisor suspects cases are going unreported in Routt County
By Tamera Manzanares
18 August 2008
Vickie Clark, new director of the Routt County Department of Human Services, recently was surprised to learn that only six referrals regarding possible abuse of at-risk adults were made in the county in the last year.
“When people ask me why … I’m going to guess that part of it is a lack of awareness to what the issues are and the resources that are available,” she said.
Clark, a former supervisor of Adult Protective Services in Mesa County, noted that all the reports turned out to be situations of self-neglect. However, she suspects there are more possible adult abuse cases in Routt County that are not being reported.
Her experience has shown that referrals typically increase as the public becomes more conscious of elder abuse problems. She hopes expanding adult protection and abuse awareness programs will help bring to light any other instances of adult mistreatment or self-neglect.
Who is at risk
Elder abuse is any intended or careless act that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older person. It includes physical, mental and sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.
Elder abuse can happen to anyone, but certain factors can make a person more vulnerable. These include illness, frailty, physical disability, mental impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and living with or depending on a person with a history of mental illness, hostility or alcohol or drug abuse.
While some abuse occurs in long-term living facilities, most cases involve abuse in the home by family members, old or “new” friends or service providers in a position of trust, according to the American Psychological Association.
Although there are extreme cases of elder abuse, most situations are more subtle, making the difference between interpersonal stress and abuse sometimes difficult to discern.
Every state has laws dealing with elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Colorado statutes require enhanced punishments for crimes against at-risk adults.
Recognizing and reporting elder abuse.
Referrals of possible elder abuse to APS typically come from medical staff and community groups, concerned individuals and members of the criminal justice or government communities.
Preventing abuse
Competent older adults can take steps to prevent themselves from being mistreated. These include staying busy and engaged in life, cultivating a strong network of family and friends, and taking care of themselves to stay as independent as possible.
Older adults also should refuse to allow anyone to add their name to the person’s bank account without their consent and should never make financial decisions under pressure or sign over money or property to anyone without getting legal advice, according to recommendations from the National Center on Elder Abuse.
To report abuse locally
Referrals are confidential and
can be anonymous:
Moffat County Social Services:
■ 824-8282
Routt County Human Services:
■ 879-1540
Abridged
SOURCE: Steamboat Pilot
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An excellent article. Please go to source for more details.
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