According to the National Center on Elder Abuse: "...
elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or 'trusted' individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder.
" Elder abuse may take the form of neglect; physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; or abandonment.
Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse.
Elder abuse crosses all socioeconomic, racial, religious, and cultural divides.
It can happen to seniors in their own homes or in facilities and institutions.
Abusers are most often family members, particularly spouses and adult children.
Caregivers who are not family members may also be abusers.
Elder abuse is an under reported crime in the United States; it's more common than we would like to believe.
The chances for abuse increase when elders depend on others for all or part of their care.
Just living with a friend or family member makes an older person more vulnerable, especially if the elder has mental or cognitive impairment.
Social isolation increases the risk, as does a history of domestic violence.
The likelihood of abuse also increases when adult children who have personal problems such as alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness live with their parents and depend on them for financial support.
Warning signs of elder abuse include...
• Slap marks or unexplained bruises, pressure marks, burns, or blisters.
• Bedsores, malnutrition, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, lack of medical attention, poor hygiene.
• Frequent arguments, insults, threats, and other attempts to exert power over elders.
• Unexplained changes in behavior, withdrawal from normal social activities, uncharacteristic fearful reactions.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area.
Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.
• Unexplained changes in finances, including bank accounts, wills, and trusts.
Loss of property.
Checks written for loans or gifts.
Preventing Elder Abuse Seniors can help themselves by doing their best to remain healthy and active in their communities.
Properly executed legal documents such as wills, power of attorney and living wills can prevent confusion, disagreements and other problems among family members.
Seniors who know their rights are more likely to report their concerns about abuse to people who can help them.
Vulnerable seniors may depend on their abusers for the help they need and may be afraid to say anything.
The best way for friends and family members to protect their loved ones from abuse is to know the warning signs and keep in close communication.
Friends and relatives who know an older person well will notice unexplained changes.
What to Do Elder abuse is a crime and can have terrible consequences.
People who suspect abuse or are the victims of elder abuse should talk to local adult protective services or the police.
The Elder Care Locator, a service of the U.
S.
Administration on Aging, can help older people and their families and caregivers find local sources of help.
The toll-free number is 800-677-1116.
elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or 'trusted' individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder.
" Elder abuse may take the form of neglect; physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; or abandonment.
Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse.
Elder abuse crosses all socioeconomic, racial, religious, and cultural divides.
It can happen to seniors in their own homes or in facilities and institutions.
Abusers are most often family members, particularly spouses and adult children.
Caregivers who are not family members may also be abusers.
Elder abuse is an under reported crime in the United States; it's more common than we would like to believe.
The chances for abuse increase when elders depend on others for all or part of their care.
Just living with a friend or family member makes an older person more vulnerable, especially if the elder has mental or cognitive impairment.
Social isolation increases the risk, as does a history of domestic violence.
The likelihood of abuse also increases when adult children who have personal problems such as alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness live with their parents and depend on them for financial support.
Warning signs of elder abuse include...
• Slap marks or unexplained bruises, pressure marks, burns, or blisters.
• Bedsores, malnutrition, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, lack of medical attention, poor hygiene.
• Frequent arguments, insults, threats, and other attempts to exert power over elders.
• Unexplained changes in behavior, withdrawal from normal social activities, uncharacteristic fearful reactions.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area.
Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.
• Unexplained changes in finances, including bank accounts, wills, and trusts.
Loss of property.
Checks written for loans or gifts.
Preventing Elder Abuse Seniors can help themselves by doing their best to remain healthy and active in their communities.
Properly executed legal documents such as wills, power of attorney and living wills can prevent confusion, disagreements and other problems among family members.
Seniors who know their rights are more likely to report their concerns about abuse to people who can help them.
Vulnerable seniors may depend on their abusers for the help they need and may be afraid to say anything.
The best way for friends and family members to protect their loved ones from abuse is to know the warning signs and keep in close communication.
Friends and relatives who know an older person well will notice unexplained changes.
What to Do Elder abuse is a crime and can have terrible consequences.
People who suspect abuse or are the victims of elder abuse should talk to local adult protective services or the police.
The Elder Care Locator, a service of the U.
S.
Administration on Aging, can help older people and their families and caregivers find local sources of help.
The toll-free number is 800-677-1116.
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