By NANCY R. MUNSON
Nancy R. Munson is CEO of Bristol Elder Services, Inc.
August 18, 2010
Recently we learned of the death of a vulnerable elder in Fall River. Now we are reading about another vulnerable elder who has lost his entire estate to someone who had befriended him. Area residents are asking how they could have helped. Bristol Elder Services, Inc. is the local resource for seniors who are abused, neglected, exploited or self-neglecting. We assist seniors who need help in remaining at home. We support caregivers who are overwhelmed with caring for an elderly friend or relative. Since July 2009, there have been more than 1,600 elder abuse reports in the 23 Southeastern Massachusetts communities of Greater Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton.
Elder abuse is often a hidden issue. It occurs in every community and affects people from all walks of life. What unites these abused and self neglecting elders is an inability to enjoy what should be their golden years.
Elder abuse is as an act or omission which results in serious physical or emotional injury of an elder or financial exploitation of an elder. Acts or omissions include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. There are many signs and symptoms of abuse. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle. If you see any of these actions or indicators, report the abuse.
Abusive actions causing physical injury include shoving; throwing objects; striking, kicking, or choking; threatening or injuring with a weapon; forcing the use of alcohol, medications, or other substances; and physical restraint. Indicators of physical abuse include bruises, welts, lacerations, scratches, abrasions, or bleeding; sprains, dislocations, or fractures; imprint injuries; bilateral bruises on forearms suggesting shaking; burns; eye injuries; and unexplained scars, missing teeth, and internal injuries.
Abusive actions causing emotional injury include insulting, swearing, or yelling at an elder; threatening or coercion; physical restraint; isolating or confining an elder; locking an elder in or out of his or her home or room; and verbal or non-verbal manipulation, threats, belittlement, or humiliation. Indicators of emotional abuse include sleep disturbance; change in eating habits; loss of interest in activities that were once satisfying; declining self-esteem, declining mental health; worry, anxiety, or irritability;
shaking or frequent crying; fear of retribution; suicidal talk/wishes; and fear and/or resentment toward the abuser.
Sexually abusive actions include using offensive sexual language or behavior; pressuring an elder to have sexual contact; inappropriate sexual contact with a cognitively impaired elder; inappropriate touching or fondling; prostituted or sexually exploited elder; and rape. Indicators of sexual abuse include injury to the face, neck, chest, abdomen, thighs, or buttocks; trauma about the genitals, rectum, mouth, breasts; presence of sexually transmitted diseases; and evidence of fear, anxiety, shame, mistrust, humiliation, strong ambivalent feelings toward beloved others, or extreme upset when bathing or toileting.
Actions of financial exploitation include breach of life estate agreement; pressure or threats to obtain money or change will; withholding financial statements or bank records; obtaining power of attorney when the elder lacks the capacity to consent; use of funds without benefit to the elder; and charging exorbitant rent or excess fees for services. Indicators of financial exploitation include unusual activity in bank or credit card accounts; missing pensions, stocks, checks, bills, or property; missing bank books or financial records; new acquaintances expressing affection for the elder; forged or suspicious signatures; failure to deliver services that have been paid for; and implausible explanations about the elder's financial affairs.
Neglectful actions include failure to provide or obtain necessary services and resources such as food and medical care; unsafe or unsanitary environment; lack of appropriate facilities; and lack of required supervision or assistance. Indicators of neglect include inadequate nutrition, malnourishment, or dehydration; matted, uncut, unclean hair; presence of body odor, urine odor, or feces odor; overgrown fingernails and toenails; inappropriate clothing; untreated injuries, illness, or medical conditions; over and under medicated; infestation with fleas or lice; isolated for long periods of time; poor skin condition or skin breakdown; presence of rash, urine burns, or bedsores; housing loss or eviction in process; deteriorating housing or environmental hazards; and wandering or getting lost.
Anyone can file a report by calling Bristol at (508) 675-2101. After normal business hours, reports may also be filed with the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 922-2275. You should call anytime you have reason to believe that abuse or serious self neglect is occurring or has occurred.
Bristol works with many organizations to prevent and eliminate abuse of elders through community collaborations in education and awareness. Knowledge of the issue is a vital preventive strategy to help to change attitudes and behaviors.
We need the community's help to assist to overcome elder abuse by taking notice and taking action.
SOURCE: SOUTH COAST TODAY
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