Elder abuse is a problem that affects millions of seniors around the world. About one in 10 individuals aged 60 and above suffer from all manners of Elder Abuse.
A study by the National Center on Abuse in 1999, had recorded over 450000 cases of elder abuse.
This number has only gone up unknown to so many. Pepertartors target individuals with debilitating illnesses like Dementia/Alzheimers, mobility, and cognitive insufficiencies. This way, the act can go unnoticed for a very long time.
It can take many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect and financial exploitation.
Unfortunately, many cases of elder abuse go unreported, leaving seniors vulnerable and isolated.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what elder abuse is, the early signs of abuse, and how to handle it if you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that occurs to a person aged 60 or older.
It can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Elder abuse can happen in a variety of settings, including at home, in nursing homes, and in other care facilities.
Types of Elder Abuse
Here are some common types of elder abuse:
1. Physical abuse: This involves the use of physical force to cause harm or injury to an older person. Examples include hitting, kicking, pushing, or burning.
2. Emotional or psychological abuse: This involves the use of verbal or nonverbal acts to cause emotional pain, fear, or distress to an older person. Examples include yelling, insulting, threatening, or isolating.
3. Sexual abuse: This involves any form of sexual contact or behavior that is non-consensual or unwanted by an older adult. Examples include unwanted sexual touching, rape, or forced nudity.
4. Financial abuse: This involves the misuse, theft, or exploitation of an older person’s financial resources. Examples include stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing an older adult into giving away money or property.
5. Neglect: This involves the failure to provide basic needs or care for an older person, such as food, shelter, medical care, or medication.
6. Self-neglect: This refers to when an older adult is unable to care for themselves and their own basic needs, which can lead to neglectful situations.
Early Signs of Elder Abuse
It’s important to be aware of the early signs of elder abuse so that you can take action to protect yourself or someone you love. Here are some of the most common signs of elder abuse:
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, and other injuries that can’t be explained are a red flag for physical abuse.
- Changes in behavior: If an elder loved one suddenly becomes withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, it could be a sign of emotional abuse.
Financial exploitation: Watch for sudden changes in bank account balances, missing money, and unexplained purchases or withdrawals.
- Neglect: Signs of neglect can include untreated medical conditions, poor hygiene, and unsafe living conditions.
- Sexual abuse: Signs of sexual abuse can include unexplained injuries to the genital area, torn or stained underwear, and changes in behavior.
How to Handle Elder Abuse
If you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated, it’s important to take action. Here are some steps you can take:
- Report it: If you suspect elder abuse, report it to the authorities. Contact your local adult protective services agency, or call the police. You can also use the National Center on Elder Abuse Listing of State Elder Abuse Hotlines
- Talk to the victim: If you know the victim, talk to them about what’s happening. Offer your support and let them know that you’re there to help.
- Seek legal advice: If the victim is being financially exploited, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in elder law.
- Get support: Caring for someone who is being abused can be emotionally draining. Consider joining a support group (LInk) or seeking counseling to help you cope.
Take steps to prevent future abuse: If the victim is living in a care facility, make sure that the facility has a plan in place to prevent elder abuse.
Talk to the staff and make sure they’re aware of the signs of elder abuse.
Elder abuse is a serious problem that many people neglect.
It is constantly on the rise it must be a collective responsibility to ensure that this unwelcome trend does not continue. If you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated, it’s important to take action to protect them. By being aware of the signs of elder abuse and knowing how to handle it, you can help ensure that seniors or your loved ones are able to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.