Elder Abuse
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
What is elder abuse? Unfortunately, it's a growing problem among America's senior citizens. The senior population is growing around the nation, and with it come problems of abuse, neglect, and exploitation that add up to increasing abuse of America's elderly. No one knows just how many events of abuse, neglect, and exploitation happen every year among the nation's elderly, but there are ways to spot abuse in your friends, neighbors, and loved ones, and there are ways to prevent elder abuse.
Physical and Mental Abuse Warning Signs
If you see any of these signs, they could be signs of physical abuse. They include bruises, black eyes, welts, and cuts; broken bones, and skull fractures; wounds, cuts, or untreated injuries in various stages of healing; sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding; broken glasses or frames, physical signs of punishment, and signs of being restrained; lab findings of problems with medication, including overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs; an elder's report of being hit, or mistreated; an elder's sudden change in behavior; and the caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone.
If you see these signs, they could indicate mental abuse: emotional upset or agitation; extreme withdrawal or non-communicative or non-responsive behavior; unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia (such as, sucking, biting, rocking); or an elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated.
Neglect Warning Signs
If you suspect an elder is being neglected in a nursing home or by a loved one, there are several signs to watch out for. They include dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene; unattended or untreated health problems; hazardous or unsafe living condition/arrangements (such as, improper wiring, no heat, or no running water); unsanitary and unclean living conditions (such as, fleas, lice on person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing); and an elder's report of being mistreated.
Are You a Victim?
If you see any of these signs in someone you know or love, they could be victims of abuse or neglect. What can you do? First, if you suspect elder abuse, you should report it. Find your state on the list below and call the hotline number to report abuse. Do not confront the suspected abuser! That could put you in a very dangerous position. If it is an immediate emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local police department.
If you suspect abuse in a nursing home or other care facility, call your local ombudsman from the list below. Remember, you do not have to have proof of abuse, you only need to suspect it. If you believe someone you know is being abused, speak out. You do not have to give your name, but you can help someone who may need it desperately, and not know where to turn.
If you are a victim, report the abuse, and remove yourself from the situation if you can. If not, make sure you notify friends and relatives, and ask them to call emergency services for you. Do not allow yourself to remain a victim. Get help today!