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Caring for Seniors: Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse
It’s something we don’t want to think about: elder abuse and neglect. If we have aging parents, we can’t ignore it.
About one in 10 people aged 60 and older experience physical or emotional abuse or neglect, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. The incidence of elder financial abuse is likely higher. While all older adults are at risk of elder abuse, seniors who are isolated, and those living with dementia or other cognitive issues, are especially vulnerable.
Most cases of elder abuse are at the hands of family members, usually adult children or spouses. In some cases, it may be unintentional. Family caregivers often lack proper training, which can lead to injuries and other unintended consequences. Busy family members may neglect acute and chronic conditions, and caregivers who are tired and frustrated are more likely to exhibit unknowingly abusive behaviors.
Whether intentional or not, we must acknowledge the issue and ensure our loved ones are properly cared for.
What are the signs of elder abuse?
Elder abuse can be physical, neglectful, emotional, financial, or sexual. Always seek medical help when you suspect abuse, and if your parent is hurt or injured.
Physical Abuse
Often the easiest to recognize, physical abuse can result in broken bones, burns, bruises, cuts, and abrasions. Be alert if a parent or their professional caregiver doesn’t have a clear or plausible explanation of the injury’s cause.
Neglectful Abuse
Neglect and abandonment are also relatively easy to see. Look for lots of dirty clothes or unwashed dishes, bedsores, unexplained weight loss, and soiled linens. Other signs include skipped doses of medication or medical appointments, and missing hearing aids, glasses, walkers, canes, and other assistive devices.
Emotional & Psychological Abuse
These types of abuse can be difficult to spot. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) defines emotional abuse as “undermining an individual’s sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem. This may include, but is not limited to constant criticism, diminishing one’s abilities, name-calling, or damaging one’s relationship with his or her children.”
According to the DOJ, elements of psychological abuse include, “causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; and forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.”
Signs include being fearful of the caregiver, withdrawal, and forced isolation from family and friends.
Financial Abuse & Exploitation
Economic fraud and theft are common forms of elder abuse. According to the DOJ, this includes, “making or attempting to make an individual financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding one’s access to money, or forbidding one’s attendance at school or employment.”
Signs to look for include checks that disappear or cash that’s unaccounted for, unpaid bills, unusual purchases, increased use of credit cards or frequent ATM withdrawals. Caregivers or facility staff members who ask to be added to the senior’s checking or credit card account can be red flags of oncoming financial abuse.
What should I do if I suspect elder abuse?
Si vous pensez que votre proche est en danger immédiat, appelez le 9-1-1 pour faire intervenir les forces de l’ordre ou les services médicaux d’urgence. Si le danger n’est pas immédiat, vous pouvez trouver une aide locale en consultant la base de données de la National Adult Protective Services Association. Vous pouvez également obtenir des conseils et un soutien auprès des agences locales de services sociaux ou en appelant le numéro non urgent de votre bureau local de police. Pour obtenir de l’aide en cas de fraude envers les personnes âgées, contactez immédiatement les institutions financières concernées. Demandez à un expert-comptable ou à un autre professionnel de la finance de vous indiquer d’autres mesures de protection contre la fraude à l’égard des personnes âgées.
La maltraitance des personnes âgées est un problème qui touche toutes les communautés et toutes les classes socio-économiques. Les données de l’Institut national de la santé montrent que les personnes âgées victimes de maltraitance ont un risque de décès 300 % plus élevé que les personnes âgées qui n’ont pas été maltraitées.
C’est pourquoi il est essentiel que nous nous assurions que nos proches vieillissants reçoivent les soins et le soutien dont ils ont besoin chaque jour. Reconnaître la maltraitance des personnes âgées et savoir comment y remédier est essentiel pour la qualité de vie, la santé et la sécurité des membres de notre famille.
Il ne s’agit pas d’un avis juridique. Cet article a été rédigé à des fins d’information uniquement et ne doit pas être considéré comme un avis juridique ou comme un substitut à un conseil juridique. Les informations peuvent ne pas refléter les normes juridiques actuelles. Pour obtenir des conseils juridiques spécifiques à vos besoins, contactez un avocat autorisé à exercer dans votre juridiction.