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The Ongoing Problem of Elder Abuse
| Posted on May 1, 2013 at 3:05 PM |
The problem of elder abuse is not going away. With millions of cases of elder abuse reported
each year, this has become a very serious issue. Maybe it’s a combination of more seniors
sharing homes with their families and the stresses most people live under
today. Certainly the struggle to care for an elderly adult who is sick or impaired, either
physically or mentally, along with the financial burden of caring for an elderly
individual, can cause stress on a caregiver and increase the
likelihood of abuse. The victim is often
female, over the age of 75, dependent on the abuser, isolated and frequently impaired. The abusers are frequently financially dependent,
isolated, inexperienced, unrealistic and impatient caregivers. And while abusers can be spouses,
children, hired caregivers, or any other adults with whom elderly individuals
have contact, the greatest risk for the victim comes from those
with whom they live. Family dynamics are
a major contributing factor to adult abuse; it is known that in 90% of all reported elder abuse cases, the abuser
is a family member. Researchers have estimated that anywhere from five to
twenty-three percent of all caregivers are physically abusive. What are the indications that someone is not being treated
with proper care? Each state might differ slightly in its definition, but the following comes from Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs: Physical Abuse is the infliction or the threat to inflict physical pain or injury
on an elderly person. This
includes pushing,
striking, slapping, kicking, pinching, restraining, shaking, beating burning,
hitting, shoving or other acts that can cause harm to an individual. Emotional or Psychological Abuse is the infliction of mental stress, pain,
or anguish through non-verbal or verbal actions including verbal
berating, harassment, intimidation, threats of punishment of deprivation,
criticism, demeaning comments, coercive behavior, isolation from family and
friends. Financial Exploitation involves improper use of the victim’s
funds, property or assets, cashing checks without permission, forging
signatures, coercing or deceiving an older person into signing a document, using
an ATM card without permission. Sexual Abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
including assault or battery, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity or sexually explicit
photographing Neglect is indicated with unexpected or unexplained
deterioration of health, personal care, or
living situation, inadequate food, clothing and/or shelter. We all need to become educated about what elder abuse is and
how it can be prevented. In the event
that you know an elderly individual who is the victim of abuse, there are many
resources from public authorities to legal professionals, you can contact. Bottom line -- if you
believe someone you know is the victim of elder abuse, seek help. You
can call the toll free hotline: 1-800-96-abuse. All calls are confidential.  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
Categories: Other Resources
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