Every June, elder advocates spotlight the tragic issue of elder abuse. Elder abuse is more common than you may think.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, an estimated one in 10 Americans older than age 60 have experienced elder abuse. Yet, it’s widely underreported. Many older adults feel shame or embarrassment if they are experiencing abuse or violence from a family member, or they may feel like they are to blame if they have been scammed. Some are also afraid that if they report abuse, they will be forced to live in a nursing home against their wishes.
Forms of elder abuse
Elder abuse can take a number of forms, including physical and sexual abuse, verbal abuse, financial exploitation and neglect. The signs of physical or sexual abuse are more visible than others. You may become concerned about a loved one or friend if you see symptoms similar to domestic violence such as unexplained bruises, broken bones or torn clothing. Verbal and emotional abuse often comes from family members and results in changes and regression in seniors’ behavior.
Financial abuse is very common and can be perpetrated by both family members and strangers. Suspicious signs include sudden changes in wills and other legal documents, items or cash missing from the home and unexplained withdrawals from the senior’s bank accounts. It’s no secret that seniors are often the targets of scams. Unscrupulous callers may attempt to scare the senior into thinking that they haven’t paid a bill or owe a sum of money; others have been known to promise financial gifts, such as sweepstakes or prizes, in exchange for the senior giving them personal financial information or payment.
What can you do?
Elder advocates suggest that you should “be a sentinel” for the older people in your life. They recommend:
- Keeping in frequent contact with your older friends, neighbors and relatives
- Asking questions about their wellbeing and truly listening to what they tell you
- Being aware and on the lookout for signs of abuse
- Remaining vigilant of what may be happening with your older neighbors and acquaintances; if you see something, say something.
If you suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, the Adult Protective Services hotline number is 1-888-774-0152 statewide in Georgia or 404-657-5250 in Metro Atlanta. If the situation is life threatening or dangerous, call 911 or the local police.
A lack of supportive community is a risk factor for abuse. One key recommendation for identifying and addressing abuse is to increase services to reduce isolation among seniors. The companion care services offered by Kadan Homecare can greatly help reduce loneliness and isolation, and our highly trained and qualified caregivers can help identify any issues of concern.
