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ELDER ABUSE UNDER RECOGNIZED

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Elder abuse is an under recognized problem with devastating and even life threatening consequences.

Every day, headlines throughout the U.S. paint a grim picture of seniors who have been abused, neglected, and exploited, often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, or professionals in positions of trust; or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable.

No one really knows how big the problem is, but relatively few cases are identified, as elders often are reluctant to report the mistreatment. Experts estimate that only one in five cases or fewer are reported, which means that very few seniors who have been abused get the help they need.

One thing is for certain: elder abuse can happen to any older individual your neighbor, your loved one - it can even happen to you.

What is Elder Abuse?

According to Florida law, elder abuse is 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. It includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, self-neglect or abandonment. It might be physical violence, isolation, or identity theft, or the theft or embezzlement of a senior's property. (A.R.S. ß13-3623 and A.R.S. ß 46-451)

Who is at Risk?

Elder abuse can occur anywhere - in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races. Based on available information, women and "older" elders are more likely to be victimized. Dementia is a significant risk factor. Mental health and substance abuse issues - of both abusers and victims - are risk factors. Isolation can also contribute to risk.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Elder Abuse?

Report Your Concerns.

Remember: Most cases of elder abuse go undetected. Don't assume that someone has already reported a suspicious situation.

To report suspected abuse, contact your local adult protective services agency at 1-800-962-2873 or TDD at 1800-453-5145.

If you or someone you know is in a life threatening situation or immediate danger, contact 911 or the local police or sheriff.

Signs include

Physical Abuse - Slap marks, unexplained

bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

Neglect - Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration.

Emotional Abuse Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

Sexual Abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Abuse/Exploitation - Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as "loans" or "gifts," and loss of property

To Help Prevent Elder Abuse:

Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services agency or law enforcement. Although a situation may have already been investigated, if you believe circumstances are getting worse, continue to speak out.

Keep in contact - Talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives. Maintaining communication will help decrease isolation, a risk factor for mistreatment. It will also give them a chance to talk about any problems they may be experiencing.

Be aware of the possibility of abuse - Look around and take note of what may be happening with your older neighbors and acquaintances. Do they seem lately to be withdrawn, nervous, fearful, sad, or anxious, especially around certain people, when they have not seemed so in the past?

Contact your local Council on Aging or Aging Resource Center to identify local programs and sources of support, such as Meals on Wheels. These programs help elders to maintain health, well-being, and independence - a good defense against abuse.

Volunteer - There are many local opportunities to become involved in programs that provide assistance and support for seniors.

Learn more about the issue - Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at www.ncea.aoa.gov



Copyright 2010 The DeFuniak Springs Herald, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The DeFuniak Springs Herald DeFuniak Springs, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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