Law requires suspected elder abuse be investigated
By Barbara E. Riley
9/23/2008
There is no single pattern of elder abuse in the home, and it isn’t just infirm or mentally impaired older adults who are abused. While seniors who are ill, frail, disabled, mentally impaired or depressed are at greater risk of abuse, even active, healthy seniors can find themselves in abusive situations and relationships.
Sometimes, abuse is a continuation of an existing situation within the family. If a wife has been abused by her husband throughout their marriage, it probably will not stop as they get older. Caregiver stress is also a major factor in senior abuse. As living situations change and finances become tighter, an older person’s growing frailty and dependence on others for meeting basic needs can push a caregiver to extremes.
Shame, embarrassment, family loyalty and even love can keep victims from reporting their abuse. They don’t want anyone to know that such events occur in their families. They are also part of a generation that felt that family matters are private and “dirty laundry” should not be aired in public. In many cases, the abused person is completely dependent upon the abuser and is afraid to complain for fear of reprisal or abandonment.
Authorities can not investigate abuse incidents it if they don’t know about them. If you suspect an older person is being abused, report it to Adult Protective Services, which is usually housed in your county Department of Job and Family Services. If you suspect an older person who lives in a long-term care facility is being abused, you can call the Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.
Ohio law requires that reported abuse of people age 60 and older must be investigated. When you call, be ready to give the senior’s name, address, contact information and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked for your name and contact information, but most agencies will honor your request to remain anonymous. Also, to encourage people to report abuse, Ohio law includes provisions that protect those who make reports from civil and criminal liability and retaliation from their employer. The records of such reports are confidential.
Overwhelmed caregivers can contact their local area agency on aging at 1-866-243-5678 for help and support. Respite care and other services for caregivers are available to help reduce stress and burn out, which can lead to abuse out of frustration.
No one should be abused. By working together and watching out for each other, we can help keep older Ohioans safe.
Abridged
SOURCE: Wilminton News Journal
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