23 September 2009
By Linnie Frank Bailey,
New America Media, News Report
Elder advocate Jackie Melendez reports seeing a marked increase in a special kind of elder abuse these days. It doesn’t involve those who usually prey on elders, the abusive caregiver or financial scam artist. In this case, those targeting seniors—are themselves. “They give up. They stop taking their prescriptions, they stop shopping for food, they stop cleaning their houses and they let their appearance go. Many times it is the physician who first notices something is wrong,” said Melendez, co-founder of Inland Senior Caring Connection. The nonprofit coordinates assistance for elders such as Meals-on-Wheels, housing and home care.
Melendez said the increased cases of elder self-neglect are one sign of widespread angst among seniors over the deteriorating economy and fear about what the future holds.
This fear of the future is aggravated by recent budget cuts in California affecting senior services and programs. Many elders are living a retirement a lot broker than they planned, and they don’t know where to turn for help. Melendez said her organization is one of many that try to help seniors find resources, however it is harder as programs are cut.
Abridged
SOURCE: The Black Voice News
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I must point out that elder abuse is not gender, race, country or social status based. It happens right across all kinds of divides. Unless we keep highlighting the fact and the urgency to correct the situation, many more vulnerable seniors will be abused.
I would also like to add that we often come across horrible elder abuse cases in the media; but more must be done to protect the elderly in the general community. Those who prefer to stay independent and are living in their own homes. These are the majority and frequently forgotten ones. Yes, forgotten by the media, governments etc.
Let us put our collective effort to highlight the plight of the elderly. Don't forget the changes we are putting our effort into; may one day be our only saviour.
................. AC
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