We all have role in protecting older residents
BY DOTTY ST. AMAND
MARCH 16, 2010
Protecting the most vulnerable residents in our community is our collective responsibility. Preventing elder abuse, neglect and exploitation falls in this realm.
The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as a "term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult."
Many cases of elder abuse occur in the home by people who know the victim and who are often responsible for providing care to the person.
Many older people are vulnerable to abuse due to social isolation and deteriorating social support networks. Memory impairment, like Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, also make a person more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Caregiver burnout may lead to neglect and abuse as increased stress wears on the caregiver's patience and clouds his view of the need for to ask for help.
Often times, victims are fearful or unable to reach out for help. Neighbors and friends may be hesitant to get involved. The National Center on Elder Abuse Fact Sheet estimates "that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five go unreported."
Heightening awareness and taking action within our community is critical as we work to eliminate elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
All of us can help by keeping in contact with older friends and neighbors. Be watchful of changes in their physical health, emotional well-being, and living conditions.
Report suspected mistreatment of older people to the abuse hotline at 800-96-ABUSE. Call law enforcement if you think an older person is being financially exploited by scams or unscrupulous acquaintances.
Abridged
SOURCE: NewsPress.Com
_________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment