How to Deal With Elder Abuse

By Alison Lyke, eHow Contributing Writer


Elder abuse is a huge issue -- an average of 750,000 is reported annually, according to HelpGuide. Risk factors include dementia and other mental issues, social isolation, and a tendency for violence in the elder herself. You should investigate and report elder abuse when you suspect it. Your elderly loved ones count on you to protect them when they cannot protect themselves.


1. Step 1


Look for general signs of abuse. It is not always easy to tell if an elderly relative or friend suffers from abuse at the hands of a caregiver. Dementia complicates the issue. Frequent arguments between the elderly person and the caregiver, and changes in the elderly person’s overall personality and behavior, are potential signs of elder abuse.


2. Step 2


Determine the type of abuse. Signs of physical abuse include bruises and broken bones. Emotional abuse often leads to what appears to be sudden dementia or an increase in mental impairment. A neglected elder might lose weight, have untreated physical ailments and live in unsanitary conditions. Unanticipated changes in the elder’s finances or strange modifications to wills suggest financial abuse.


3. Step 3


Identify abusive caregiver(s). Your elderly loved one might have many caregivers, making it hard to determine who the abuser might be. The caregiver’s personality and attitude can give some clues. Abusive caregivers can have issues with stress, depression, drugs and alcohol, which can be indicated by erratic or strange behavior. Sometimes caregivers don’t mean harm, the level of support needed might go beyond their capabilities.


4. Step 4


Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) or Eldercare. Both of these organizations have systems to help you deal with elder abuse. The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) has member states with local and regional APS chapters. Eldercare is a public service of the Department of Health & Human Services’ U.S. Administration on Aging. Eldercare’s locator uses your zip code or city to list government aging agencies in the area.


5. Step 5


Cooperate with APS or Eldercare administration, social workers and police. Give as much accurate information as possible. Encourage your elderly loved one to speak with investigating agents about what has happened. Agencies use this information to resolve the situation and prosecute the abuser if necessary.


6. Step 6


Prevent future abuse. Pay attention to your elderly loved one so you will be able to spot any sudden changes in his demeanor. Get involved the moment you suspect abuse. Finally, educate yourself, family members and caregivers about the symptoms and consequences of elder abuse.






Tips & Warnings


• Elderly people without caregivers can neglect themselves. Eldercare provides social workers for this situation.

• Beware of caregivers who try to explain away signs of abuse -- they should be as concerned as you are. A caregiver’s refusal to let you visit with your elderly loved one is unacceptable and a possible sign of abuse.

REFERENCE:

American Psychological Association: Elder Abuse and Neglect

HelpGuide: Elder Abuse and Neglect


SOURCE:     eHow.co.uk
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