Growing Older: You can help prevent or flag elder abuse
By Sandra J. Cohen and Roger Cormier
Oakland Tribune
05/23/2009
The increasing frequency of elder abuse alarms us all. Although some victims may secure justice, we can only imagine the lasting horror and harm that perpetrators cause each elderly victim. Fortunately reports to and response by public agencies and courts also are increasing. A concerned person can report abuse and thereby reduce an elder's pain and loss and possibly end a perpetrator's string of abuses.
Adult Protective Services (APS) and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in Bay Area counties receive thousands of reports of elder abuse each year. Unfortunately, studies show that far more incidences never are reported. As many as half of victims are in situations of self-neglect. When elders are victims of financial, physical or emotional abuse, very often the abuser is a family member or care provider.
Fortunately, many people in jobs that require confidential reporting of any known elder abuse — this would include physicians, health care workers, clergy, bank staff and individuals who assume responsibility for the care or custody of an elder — do alert APS when they suspect trouble.
Other concerned individuals are also encouraged to report suspected abuse. Their identity remains anonymous and they can even decline to provide their name. If they report in good faith, they are shielded from criminal and civil liability.
Once alerted, APS investigates and, when warranted, reports some cases
to law enforcement and the courts. The East Bay is on the leading edge with justice systems that offer special Elder Law or Elder Access Courts in five locations. These courts are set up to accommodate victims who may find it difficult or intimidating to appear in regular court circumstances.
An excellent resource is "A Citizen's Guide To Preventing & Reporting Elder Abuse." Available for free at http://www.ag.ca.gov/bmfea/pdfs/citizens_guide.pdf , the guide outlines the various forms of elder abuse are, and explains how to recognize the signs. It also demonstrates how to report it to the appropriate program or department.
Warning signs of financial abuse, for example, include unusual bank account activity, questionable signatures on checks or other documents, unpaid bills, change in spending patterns, and frequently the appearance of someone who ingratiates him- or herself and starts controlling the elder's finances and assets.
The number of your local APS or Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is available at 800-510-2020.
Growing Older is written by Sandra J. Cohen, R.N., and Roger Cormier, M.A., of Cohen Cormier Home Care & Care Management. Reach them at 510-652-3377, 925-945-8855 or www.eldercaremanagers.com.
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