Categories
Caregiving Case Studies Health and Wellness Medicaid Connecticut Medicaid Made Simple Medicaid Massachusetts Medicaid New Jersey Medicaid New York Medicaid Pennsylvania Medicaid Rhode Island

Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse and What to Do About It

Why Educating families on recognizing and addressing potential abuse is crucial for senior safety

According to a WHO report from June 2024, a staggering 1 in 6 elderly individuals experienced some form of abuse in community settings over the past year. This alarming trend has unfortunately worsened since the Covid pandemic, particularly in nursing homes, where staff members admit to instances of abuse with shocking frequency.

Disrespect, neglect, and exploitation take a heavy toll on any victim, but the impact on aging adults is especially profound. At such a vulnerable stage of life, seniors rely heavily on caregivers for daily tasks and responsibilities. Abuse in any form is a devastating blow to their sense of self and dignity.

The Best Cure — Prevention

Amidst the myriad responsibilities and physical tasks that are part of caring for an aging loved one, it is crucial to take note of any physical, emotional, or practical signs of abuse.
Noticing potential risks of abuse or early abuse is vital to minimize the lasting effects on your elderly loved one.

Some recommendations to reduce the likelihood of abuse are:

●  Open Communication: Encourage the discussion of personal care and concerns of the senior, and validate any concern expressed.

●   Education and Awareness: Ensure that all close family members and caregivers are aware of the signs of neglect and abuse so that they can be detected as early as possible.

●  Regular Monitoring: Check in regularly and unexpectedly with elderly loved ones, especially if they are alone with hired caregivers or in an institution for extended periods of time.

●   Social Networks: Involve the elderly individual in community and family events and messaging groups to establish a support network in the event they would like to share uncomfortable experiences.

Elder Abuse — Common Forms

  • ● Emotional or Mental Abuse such as harassment, intimidation, humiliation, or threatening.
  • ● Physical Abuse such as hitting, force-feeding, violently restraining, or excessively shaking.
  • ● Sexual Abuse such as nonconsensual contact or acts.
  • ● Financial Exploitation such as theft, scams, or mishandling of money.
  • ● Neglect such as poor hygiene, medication mismanagement, or failure to provide necessary medical care.

Seeing the Signs — Common Indicators of Abuse

When an elderly person is the victim of any sort of abuse, sudden changes in their mood or general behavior is the most typical sign that they have been mistreated. Providing them with emotional support and professional healing, when warranted, is vital.

Below are some other common indicators of abuse:

  • ● Physical Abuse
    • ○ Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries
  • ● Emotional/Mental Mistreatment
    • ○ Withdrawal from normal activities
    • ○ Unusual depression or anxiety
  • ● Financial Exploitation
    • ○ Suspicious bank account activity
    • ○ Missing valuables or financial documents
  • ● Neglectful Care
    • ○ Poor hygiene or neglected living conditions
    • ○ Lack of necessary medical equipment
    • ○ Mismanaged medication regiment

Elder Abuse — Tips and Resources

The best preventative action for elder abuse is being overly vigilant and in constant contact with your aging loved ones. This is a twofold strategy, because an individual’s caregiver is less likely to neglect care when they sense that they are constantly monitored, and reparative action has increased chances of success when carried out early on.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines “elder abuse” as: “intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.”

If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of mistreatment, it is recommended that you report the incident to your local law enforcement agency, and you may wish to utilize resources the CDC or WHO have made available to guide you on recommended action.

Recognizing and addressing elder abuse is essential, but navigating the complexities of senior care can also be challenging. At Senior Planning Services, we work closely with families to ensure their loved ones receive the care and support they need.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can assist your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out.