By KARLA FALES
JUNE 14, 2009
Many years ago there was a loud outcry among Michigan's citizens to better protect our children from those who abuse them. As a result, stiffer laws were passed, a central directory of perpetrators was developed and Children's Protective Services became better funded and more supported for its important work. I applaud these efforts and am thankful for these special protections for our youngest citizens.
But what about older adults in our community? Are they afforded the same level of protection against abuse? Unfortunately, the answer is no!
In Michigan, there is a lack of a comprehensive system to collect data about elder abuse cases and no centralized and coordinated depository of elder abuse educational resources exists. Local efforts, like those of the Calhoun County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, have tried to educate and raise awareness of this issue. Also, staffing for Adult Protective Services has been inadequate - only recently has there been an increase in the number of workers. And the general public by and large doesn't know the signs of abuse or how to report it. Michigan laws are also not sufficient to pursue justice for many victims, especially as elder abuse cases are often difficult to prove and prosecute, especially for victims of financial exploitation.
These facts aren't excuses to ignore this serious community-wide issue but to draw attention to the reasons why elder abuse remains a mostly unrecognized and unreported problem.
Research estimates that only about 4 percent to 6 percent of cases of elder abuse are reported in Michigan. As we see increases in the population of people age 60 and over, and more people reaching age 85 and beyond, the problem of elder abuse will only continue to spread. In 2006 in Michigan, it was estimated that at least 73,000 older adults were victims of abuse. Whether it is physical abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, neglect or self-neglect, the symptoms and treatment of elder abuse are complex.
Elder abuse, as a crime, is color-blind and non-discriminating. Older adults from all backgrounds and financial situations can be victims of abuse and neglect. Many older adults are dependent on others for their care and this makes them susceptible to abusive or neglectful treatment. Caregiver stress is no excuse for mistreatment! Tragically, family and paid caregivers are most often the perpetrators of these devastating crimes - 90 percent of confirmed cases nationally.
Annually, June 15 is recognized as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In Calhoun County, the Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition has been working to raise awareness among professionals, community groups, older adults and the general public about the importance of helping to protect seniors in our community. You can help by knowing the signs of abuse, watching out for your older adult neighbors and reporting suspected abuse, exploitation and/or neglect.
Let's give our most seasoned citizens the respect and protection they have earned because we know There is no excuse for elder abuse!
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