More Adults Becoming Victims of Elder Abuse (USA)

November 18, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio  

Elder abuse is a growing problem and an Ohio study found that more than 29,000 Ohioans were victims in 2007, 10TV's Andrea Cambern reported.

Karen Days, president of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, said most abused adults won't talk about it.

"They should not feel alone or feel embarrassed that they are finding themselves in a situation where their adult children are abusing them," Days said. "It's wrong. It's a crime."

Adults who are abused physically or financially by relatives should call police.

But those who are ill-treated in nursing homes often need their children to notice and speak up, Days said.

"We have to be advocates for our family members because a lot of times with overcrowding and with short staff, it's not always outright abuse. It's neglect but it's still not acceptable," Days said.

Karen said the best course of action is to put the nursing home on notice. Call adult protective services or the long-care ombudsman.

Warning signs that an older person is being abused include unexplained injuries, depression, or a sudden financial change, such as switch in power of attorney.

If you are being abused, or you suspect abuse or neglect, agencies including the Franklin County Adult Protective Services can help.

Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for additional information.

More Information: 
Franklin County Adult Protective Services 614-462-4348.
Long-term Care Ombudsman 800-282-1206. 

SOURCE:     10TV.COM

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