Fighting for a Loved One Suffering from Elder Abuse

By Jacob Maslow

About 1 in 60 seniors experienced some form of abuse in the last year, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, more than 500,000 cases of elder abuse are reported each year. Rates of abuse are high in nursing home and long-term care facilities, but there are many cases that go unreported. Those that are reported may not be met with the justice they deserve.

How can family members fight for a loved one suffering from elder abuse?

Know the Signs and Types of Elder Abuse

Many seniors suffer psychological, physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse or are neglect by those who are supposed to care for them. This may be nursing home staff, or a loved one trusted with the care of the senior.

Elderly adults who suffer mental impairment, physical disabilities and serious illnesses are often incapable of self-care and are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

Common warning signs of abuse and neglect include:

• Malnourishment
• Unkept appearance
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Depression
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Deteriorating health

In some cases of neglect, family members refuse to speak out because they are fearful or embarrassed.

Elder abuse can take on many forms, including:

Emotional Abuse

With emotional abuse, seniors endure psychological pain by humiliation, intimidation, yelling, ridicule and blaming on part of the caregiver. Abuse caregivers may also isolate the senior from social activities and friends.

Physical Abuse

Seniors are also vulnerable to physical abuse. Caregivers may slap, hit, push, pinch or use inappropriate restraints. Signs of physical abuse include unexplained injuries, bruises, welts, abrasions, fractures, broken bones and sprains.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to respond to a senior’s needs. This may be intentional, or it may be simple carelessness.

Sexual Abuse

Seniors may also suffer sexual abuse, which can include forced physical contact or forced sexual acts, including sexual assault and rape.

Financial Abuse

Many seniors are financially exploited by caregivers. Financial exploitation includes the unauthorized use of money or property, such as forging checks, theft of money, and illegally changing the names on bank accounts, wills, property titles and insurance policies.

Getting Help for an Abused Loved One

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected, report it. Call 911 or the police if your loved one is in immediate danger.

• Elder abuse and neglect can be reported to Adult Protective Services.
• The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a social services program that looks into reports of suspected abuse or neglect of someone living in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

When reporting cases of abuse, you may be asked to answer several questions, such as:

• Have you witnessed or heard incidents of hitting, yelling or other abusive behavior?
• Does the victim suffer from any known medical problems (e.g. memory loss or confusion)?
• What kinds of social or family support does the victim have?

While you will be asked for your name, phone number and address, most states will take the report even if you insist on remaining anonymous. Keep in mind that the professionals taking your information are prohibited from releasing your information to the media or anyone else. They may not disclose your identity to the victim or the alleged abuser.

Full Article & Source:
Fighting for a Loved One Suffering from Elder Abuse