Education of Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is a crime that is rarely discussed or educated on enough. While most people think of Elder Abuse as physical harm in a long term care community, many times it is happening in their own homes.

Because there are several facets most people are not aware of, I would like to enlighten many on this difficult topic. Being familiar with Elder Abuse and knowing what to look for are key when you are a caregiver.

Here are a few types of Elder Abuse:

• Neglect
• Physical
• Financial
• Emotional

Some signs are obvious and visible to the eye, others are not. I will explain…

Neglect- the silent, invisible abuse

Many people don’t realize that when they put a person in a wheelchair, or with dementia, in a corner to just sit, they are committing Elder Abuse. Denying a person a good quality of life by treating them as not an adult or human being is not only harmful to their health, but inhumane.

Other examples of neglect are:

• Underhydrating or denying food and nutrition
• For those who suffer from incontinence- not being taking to the bathroom, or not changing their undergarments often enough.
• Not changing their positions in their beds, or wheelchairs, to prevent bed sores and other wounds.
• Having them wear the same clothes several days in a row.
• Ignoring hygiene (both physical and oral)
• Not assisting or reminding them of daily medicine

Physical Abuse- visible and detrimental

Physical abuse is the most noticeable of Elder Abuse and most harmful. There are many ways that can be considered physical abuse that you may not think would be.

A few examples are:

• Strapping people to their wheelchairs
• Grabbing their wrists and pulling on them
• Hitting, slapping, etc.
• Holding them down unwillingly

Physical abuse not only severely injures a person, but can also cause skin tears and other detrimental outcomes.

Financial Abuse- it is not just done by scammers

When we think of financial abuse, or fraud, we imagine a con-artist calling an older adult to swindle money out of them, but these days anyone can be a perpetrator (including family). There are many ways to protect someone from this type of abuse.

Here are some ideas to reduce financial abuse:

• Separate POAs for legal and financial, giving you a check and balance system.
• Set up direct deposit accounts for monthly bills.
• Two-person signature/authorization for checks
• No cash in the house, or room, if living in a community.
• Use a legitimate home health care company that bills you monthly.
• Educate older adults on what to look for with scams.

Emotional Abuse- watch what you say

Emotional abuse can happen as a result of the above abuses, but also from constant belittling, ignoring, or even just loneliness.

Signs of Emotional Abuse can be noticed by a change in character or behavior, such as:

• Disinterest in appearance
• Lack of appetite
• Depression or Anxiety
• Complete withdrawal
• Paranoia

Elder Abuse happens often…

If you have a loved one or friend that lives in a long term community and you suspect something, share your concerns with the Director, or you can request a meeting with the assigned Ombudsman. If you believe this is happening to someone who lives at home, please contact someone from NAPSA (National Adult Protective Services Association).

No one at any age should suffer from abuse.

-Courtney