Elder Abuse

‘Death in Adult Homes’

‘Ex-nursing home workers get 2 years for photos, videos of helpless patients’

‘Adult care home residents abused, exploited, report alleges’

These are just a few of the headlines ripped from the news in the last year regarding a form of abuse which is fast becoming an epidemic and gaining national attention: Elder Abuse.

 

Some of the incidents involving the above mentioned headlines were elderly people that fell and ended up bleeding to death internally.   Others choked on food and suffocated.   Yet others languished for weeks with bedsores, which became infected and eventually killed them.

 

What is Elder Abuse?  It is the knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.  The laws from state to state differ, but broadly defined, elder abuse may include: 

• Physical Abuse - Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need, such as food, liquids, or medication.  This includes violence of any kind, but also inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment.
• Emotional Abuse - Mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.  This includes insults, threads, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment.  Also, treating an elderly person like an infant, isolating them from their family, friends, socialization, or activities, and giving them the “silent treatment” are forms of emotional abuse.
• Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.  Sexual contact with a person incapable of giving consent is also sexual abuse.  Taking inappropriate photos or video is also a form of sexual abuse.
• Exploitation - Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.  For instance, cashing checks without authorization, forcing signatures, stealing money or possessions, using deception to get them to sign documents, such as contracts or wills, and the improper use of conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney.
• Neglect - Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, personal hygiene, comfort, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.
• Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
• Self-neglect - This is an inability to understand the consequences of one’s own actions or inaction, which leads to, or may lead to, harm or endangerment including, providing himself or herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication (when indicated), and safety precautions.

Tell tale signs an elder may be suffering abuse:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area
• Sudden changes in financial situations
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss
• Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses
• Strained or tense relationships-frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person

     

What makes the elderly vulnerable to this kind of abuse?  Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two factors.  Also, if the elder is living with someone, such as a caregiver or friend, or if there is a history of domestic violence, this may make them more prone to abuse. They also may feel there is no one else to care for them, or they are unaware of their rights.

    

The most important thing to do is be alert of potential problems.  Many of the elderly that suffer abuse do it in silence. If you notice any of the above signs, you may want to question what is going on.  For more information on rights, caregivers or facilities, or to report abuse visit the Aging and Disability Services Administration.  Click here for an in depth nursing home checklist.


If someone you know has been a victim of elder abuse, don't hesitate to contact MBC.

Sources:
 
The News Tribune
The National Center on Elder Abuse