Identifying and Dealing With Elder Abuse
Introduction
Welcome back, faithful readers, to the unfortunate topic of elder abuse. Our previous post on this topic gained some traction, so we wanted to touch on it once more in greater detail. This time, we will be discussing how to take action: how to spot the signs as an outsider, how to vouch for yourself as an able elder, and how to help protect those who can’t. Let’s dive right in!
Spotting the Signs
The most common forms of elder abuse tend to be physical, financial, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. While it’s easy to imagine the perpetrators as undertrained caregivers or overworked nurses, the heartbreaking reality is that most elder abuse comes from people known to the victims. The National Institute on Aging provides a list of the signs to look for to help identify elder abuse. These include physical signs, like unexplained injuries, bedsores, weight loss, or restraint marks; behavioral changes, like sudden outbursts, agitation, or withdrawal; decline in personal hygiene; hazardous or dirty living conditions; etc.
Vouching For Yourself as an Elder
If you are an elder who is physically and mentally capable of taking control of the situation, there are steps you can take to handle your situation. If you are living with the abuser, have a plan of action in place in case of an emergency. Establish a support network of people you can count on in times of crisis. Memorize important numbers if you can, and keep a to-go bag ready. If you’re not living with the abuser, and especially if you live alone, fortify your home. Don’t allow the person - or any unfamiliar persons, for that matter - entry or contact, if possible. If not seeing the abuse perpetrator is not possible, document any instances of abuse as they occur, as this will help you in the future. Finally, beware of scams - many scams out there specifically target older people, who often have lower awareness of online safety, and due to their perceived vulnerability. Remember, never share personal information over the phone or online unless you are entirely sure of the other party’s identity!
Protecting the Vulnerable
Unfortunately, elders who are physically or mentally disabled, or those with diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, are the most vulnerable to elder abuse. In these situations, it becomes even more imperative to watch closely for any signs of abuse, lest they fall through the cracks. It’s important to establish rapport and trust with these individuals so that you are in a position to offer them support if the need arises. Finally, don’t hesitate to report suspected abuse - agencies like APS (Adult Protective Services) exist to offer care and assistance to vulnerable adults. But remember, if you suspect the victim is in danger, don’t hesitate - call 911. If you or someone you know suspects fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline. There also exist numerous organizations and agencies that offer elders services, including moving, housing, financial, and healthcare assistance.
Conclusion
Abusers of all kind want victims to believe one thing above all others: that they are alone. This is not the case. There are resources out there for abuse victims to escape, resettle, and recover, and that includes elders. For additional information on spotting the signs of elder abuse, read up at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/spotting-signs-elder-abuse, and for additional reading on the subject overall, check out https://todayshomeowner.com/safety/guides/guide-to-elder-abuse-and-home-safety/.
Special thanks to the folks at Today’s Homeowner for their interest in and passion about this topic!
