As Connecticut's Population Ages, Elder Abuse Rises

As Connecticut’s population ages, a disturbing statistic is emerging in the state: Abuse of the elderly is on the rise and nationwide, millions of seniors are at risk every year.

Many seniors are not reporting the abuse because the vast majority of abusers are family members, most often adult children, spouses, partners and others, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.

Connecticut’s population is the seventh oldest in the nation, with 14 percent of state residents over 65, and 27 percent turning 65 during the next 15 years. And as Connecticut goes gray, an increase in the rate of abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled state residents is following, social services and health care professionals say.

Legislation passed last year focuses on elder abuse. Deb Migneault, Senior Policy Analyst at Connecticut’s Legislative Commission on Aging, said in an e-mailed comment, “Connecticut’s demographics reflect a rapidly aging population. Without intervention, cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation will continue to grow.

info on Protective Services:
“This program is designed to safeguard people 60 years and older from physical, mental and emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment and/or financial abuse and exploitation. DSS social workers devise a plan of care aimed at assuring an elder’s safety while preserving the person’s right of self-determination,” it says.

“Staff may help the person remain in the living situation he or she prefers, safeguard legal rights, prevent bodily injury or harm, determine service needs and then mobilize resources to provide necessary services.”

The Social Work service plan may include crisis intervention, arranging for and coordinating any of the following services: adult day-care, companionship, counseling, homemaker, home health care, home-delivered meals, and long-term care or, if necessary, emergency convalescent placement.

Full Article and Source:
As Connecticut's Population Ages, Elder Abuse Rises