We are all shocked when we see heart wrenching images of elder abuse that are reported in the media. Unfortunately, those are just the tip of the iceberg. Tragically, this occurs many thousands more times to adults over 60 than hits the newsstands. In general, research suggests that 1 in 10 elders experience some form of abuse. Mickey Rooney testified before Congress about being a victim of elder abuse and made warning about it his life’s mission in his later years. Here is a trailer from the film Last Will and Embezzlement where he is featured.
In fact, elder abuse can lead to premature death, deep physical and psychological harm and trauma, broken family and social ties, and financial ruin. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing problem that we all must be vigilant against. Fortunately, this subject is becoming less taboo. There are resources and professionals you can turn to for help. Let’s look into the subject of elder abuse, its signs and remedies.
The Beginnings….
As we become senior citizens, we have to contend with becoming more and more dependent on those around us. As such, it is even more important to make sure that these people are worthy of our trust.
According to the NYS Elder Abuse Prevalence Study of May 2011, Elder Abuse can take the form of:
- Neglect by a responsible caregiver
- Financial exploitation
- Emotional abuse often termed psychological abuse
- Physical abuse (including sexual).
While most elder abuse happens to women, there are male victims as well. Sadly, perpetrators prey on those with disabilities such as dementia and memory problems; anyone who depends on others with the activities of daily living (ADLs). It can occur in your home, a family members home, or an institution such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. It doesn’t even have to be in person since it can happen via the phone, email, or internet these days, though that is mainly with respect to financial abuse. Perpetrators can be family members, friends, or strangers.
Signs of Elder Abuse
Infographic
There are several tell tale signs that abuse is occurring. It is critical everyone connected with a senior be alert to these signs since many seniors are too
embarrassed to report abuse when it happens to them.
- Becoming withdrawn or upset
- Showing signs of trauma
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or scars
- Bedsores
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Unkempt grooming and dirty clothes
- Missing essential items such as glasses, walker, cane, hearing aide, or dentures
- Sudden loss of income or financial assets
- Odd new friendships
This list is by no means exhaustive. You know your loved one or friend best. There could be dozens more signs that you may be able to pick up. If you feel something is going on and it does not appear on this list, by all means check it out. The problem may be that you are not near enough or around enough to see the signals.
Fighting Elder Abuse
Tracking and combating elder abuse is difficult due to a lack of centralized ownership of these cases. Unfortunately, they are referred out to disparate departments such as housing, law enforcement or fraud. There has been a call to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a resource center for elder abuse information. As a result, Elder Abuse Victims Acts have been introduced in Congress to dedicate more resources and improve response to these unfortunate events.
Other agencies to call include:
- Adult Protective Services programs help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The National Adult Protective Services Association provides phone numbers for programs in each state on its website or by calling 202-370-6292.
- The National Center on Elder Abuse provides guidance on how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect. Visit the Center online or call 855-500-3537 for more information.
- Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for the needs of people who live in assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and nursing homes. They are trained to help resolve problems. Find a long-term care ombudsman in your state online or by calling 202-332-2275.
Most important, if you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911.
Who Can Help Monitor?
There are many state and local laws with respect to alerting the authorities of elder abuse. In fact, many doctors, lawyers, and professionals are required to report this abuse if they become aware of it. Not doing so can lead to negative consequences for them.
Closer to home, if loved ones leave a distance away, they may ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out and visit unannounced on a somewhat regular basis. You can also call your loved one frequently from wherever you are to keep track of their moods and happenings.
Another proxy could be a home healthcare agency or geriatric care manager. Those are both professionals that deal with the elderly and can be hired to make as many visits as you believe are necessary to feel comfortable your loved one is well cared for and safe. The more eyes watching, the more accountability there is and the better the chance that abuse and neglect will NOT occur.
Building Staff as Part of the Army
An interesting idea has been implemented in New York. Doormen are now being enlisted to fight the growing problem of elder abuse and neglect. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has devised an ingenious idea to combat elder abuse by utilizing those friendly attentive people that greet you each day. Interestingly, they train New York City doormen, porters, and concierges so that they can keep a watchful eye on the people they see, or should see, each day.
The building staff (turned quasi-caregivers) trains on-site at their building. They are to listen for signs of financial abuse in their conversations with these elderly tenants. This financial abuse can come from telemarketing scammers, relatives, or household employees. Also, they look for physical signs such as bruises and changes in gait. Moreover, the staff tries to be alert for neglect by loosely tracking how often friends and relatives come to call.
Many of the tenants welcome the extra assistance. As well, the building management and staff are happy to be empowered to help their residents in any way they can.
Home Healthcare Agency As Partners
David York Agency aides participate in ongoing in-service classes to keep them abreast of the latest trends and things to watch for. We are in constant contact with them. Furthermore, we stress that they must report any concerns they have about their clients to us. Additionally, we are available 24 hours a day to the client, their family and the aides for emergencies and any problem that arises. We send out our nurse to make home visits on a regular basis and can schedule them on an as needed basis as well.
At David York Home Healthcare Agency, we are always on the lookout for our clients. Our home health aides are thoroughly interviewed and rigorously screened including a criminal background check. Likewise, our homecare agency is licensed, bonded and insured.
David York Agency Homecare Helps Seniors in Brooklyn Heights
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly. We are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Brooklyn Heights that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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