Physical abuse of an elderly person can include slapping, punching, unwarranted physical restraint, broken bones or drugging the elderly person so they can not fight back. Sexual abuse of an elderly person includes all nonconsensual sexual contact. Neglect includes the failure by the caregiver or others to provide necessities of daily living to the elderly person, such as food, clothing, housing and/or healthcare. Exploitation may include illegally taking or hiding the financial assets of the elderly person for someone else’s benefits. Emotional abuse includes purposefully inflicting mental pain or anguish on the elderly person through verbal or nonverbal acts. These acts may include humiliation, intimidation or threatening the elder. Abandonment means that the person responsible for the care of an elderly person fails to take care of the person by not showing up at their home or other place care where care was to be provided. Self-neglect refers to the failure of an elder to take care of him or herself to the point that their physical health and well-being may be compromised. [1] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Bruises, broken bones, cuts, scrapes, or burns. Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from normal activities, a change in cognitive abilities or alertness and depression. Signs of assault around the breasts or genital area. Loud fights or arguments between the caregiver and elder. Tension between elder and caregiver or elder acting timidly. Poor hygiene, rapid weight loss or other unattended medical needs.
Some elders will deny abuse is occurring even when it is obvious that they are being abused. This is particularly true when the abuser is a family member. Even is an elder denies the abuse, you should still report suspected abuse to the proper authorities who can investigate the matter. [2] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
If you suspect that the elder is in immediate and potentially life-threatening danger then you should call the police or 911. If you suspect elder abuse but do not believe that it is life threatening, you can call the Eldercare Locator by phone at 1-800-677-1116. Trained operators on the hotline can provide you information on local resources and other assistance. The hotline is open Monday through Friday, 9 a. m. to 8 p. m. Eastern Time. If you are living outside of the U. S. , some elder abuse help lines in non-U. S. countries include: UK: 0808 808 8141 or Ireland: 1800 940 010 (Action on Elder Abuse); Australia: 1300 651 192 (Elder Abuse Prevention Unit); South Africa: 080 111 2131 (Age In Action); and for resources in Canada visit http://www. albertaelderabuse. ca. [3] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
The name, address and contact information for the elder you suspect is being abused. Provide information about the elder’s family supports, if any. The identity of the person you suspect is abusing the elder. Your contact information. Any of the elder’s known medical conditions Specific information about the abuse, such as incidents of bruising, yelling or the failure of the elder to care for himself or herself. Continue to report additional incidents of abuse.
In emergency cases, a caseworker may conduct an investigation within 24 hours of the report. If APS does not believe that elder abuse is occurring, they will try to coordinate with social and health services to provide assistance to the elder in need. It is important to note that an elder can refuse assistance from APS. Unless the elder is incapacitated, APS has to respect the elder’s wishes. In addition to APS, local police or district attorneys may also investigate claims of elder abuse especially if the report mentions physical or sexual abuse. In the case of abuse in a nursing home, state’s have long-term care ombudsman programs that are specifically responsible for investigating and resolving nursing home complaints.
A caregiver’s substance abuse habit, which may place an elder at increased risk of financial abuse. A history of domestic abuse may place the elder at higher risk for abuse later in life. [4] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Getting your legal and financial affairs in order so it is more difficult for someone to steal from you. Maintain regular contact wit friends and family members so that you do not become isolated and more vulnerable to abuse. If you are unhappy about a caregiver tell someone that you need a change. If you are being abused, tell someone so that they can help you or provide you with the phone number to report the abuse yourself. [6] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Ask for help from friends and family or local respite care agencies. Even a short break may help you feel better. Use an adult day care program for the elder to provide you with assistance in your caregiving responsibilities. Take care of your physical and mental health needs. If you are feeling depressed, you should speak to a counselor or therapist since depression may lead to elder abuse. Join a support group with other caregivers of elders. [7] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Take the elder on tours of assisted living facilities to demonstrate that there are alternatives to home care. Offer the elder assistance services on a trial basis such as house cleaners or a weekly home health aide to assist the elder with discrete tasks. Inform them of support services and other outside programs that can help held reduce the demands on the caregiver and the elder. [8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
