The Hidden Secret of Elder Abuse

Excerpts from article from "Planning from Eldercare" June 5, 2009:

Many elderly people rely entirely on family or other trusted individuals to help them. Whether it is for physical needs or emotional needs, as people grow older they tend to need more and more help from others. This dependence on caregivers or family members makes an older person more vulnerable for abuse.

It is estimated that 5% to 10% of elderly Americans are suffering abuse.

According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse,
“Spiraling rates of elder mistreatment are reported by both practitioners and researchers. In a recent national study of Adult Protective Services (APS), typically the agency of first report concerning elder abuse, there were 253,421 reports of abuse of adults age 60+ or 832.6 reports for every 100,000 people over the age of 60 (Teaster, Dugar, Otto, Mendiondo, Abner, & Cecil, 2006). The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998) found that more than 500,000 persons aged 60+ were victims of domestic abuse and that an estimated 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities, denying victims the protection and support they need.”

The following is a list of indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is important to note that the following lists are merely indicators and may not always be violations.

Signs of Abuse:

Unexplained bruises, welts, fractures, abrasions or lacerations
Multiple bruises in various stages of healing
Multiple/repeat injuries
Low self-esteem or loss of self determination
Withdrawn, passive
Fearful
Depressed, hopeless
Soiled linen or clothing
Social Isolation

Read the entire article at:
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/article-2009-6-4.htm

This is not a fun subject, but something we need to be aware of.

Take care

Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist