The following story is the last of a three-part series on elder abuse. Previously, we defined the issue with facts and numbers, and then introduced you to people whose loved ones have experienced financial abuse. Now, we offer a roadmap and action plan for victims and their families.
Elder abuse—or older adult maltreatment—is a nearly invisible epidemic among people 60 and older. It is dramatically unrecognized and under-reported, often because the perpetrators hold positions of trust and authority, so they can hide their misdeeds due to their positions of trust within a family or care facility.
Based on self-reporting, elder abuse impacts at least one in 10 adults nationwide over the age of 60… and two-thirds of these victims are female. In a study published in the American Journal of Public Health among 5,777 self-respondents, 10 percent reported financial abuse, potential neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse— in that order—by a family member within the year.
However, the incidence of elder abuse among people with advanced stages of dementia or cognitive impairment is as high as 50 percent, according to Courtney Reynolds, Senior Research Analyst at the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging in Cleveland.
Considering how prevalent the problem is, we need to pay better attention to our loved ones—and even ourselves—to recognize the signs.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) identifies Red Flags of Abuse on its website. Also, the Ohio Department of Aging website lists potential signs of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Recognize the signs
Take note if a person:
- has bruises, cuts or other signs of physical harm
- suddenly begins acting differently
- avoids doing things they used to enjoy
- stops spending time with people they used to enjoy, or starts spending time with other people instead
- is not eating well; shows signs of dehydration; or is not clean, groomed or dressed appropriately
- suddenly and without explanation, changes their will or transfers money, bank account access or property to someone else
- can’t/won’t explain what happened to missing money or property
- has several unpaid bills or service disconnection notices
- has missed several medical appointments
- takes more or less of their prescribed medications
- has someone who refuses to allow visitors to see the person alone
- has relatives and other people who were not a big part of the person’s life before who suddenly become interested in their rights and property
- lives in a home that has become unclean, needs repairs or is dangerous
What to do about it
With all of this in mind, be vigilant and supportive as you interact with your older loved ones. Research shows that social support plays an important role in easing the effects of abuse and preventing the incidence of future maltreatment.
Reynolds says, “The more interactions an individual has with their community, the more opportunities exist for someone to catch the red flags of abuse mentioned above. Checking in regularly with loved ones, addressing potential concerns before they become bigger issues, and reaching out for help are all proactive steps that individuals and loved ones can take.”
Suspect abuse?
In Ohio, call Adult Protective Services (APS) in your county. A 24/7 statewide hotline is 855-644-6277 (1-855-OHIO-APS). To qualify for APS services, the adult experiencing abuse must be 60+ years old, live in the community, and have some kind of physical and/or mental impairment. For people experiencing abuse in a nursing home, APS will make appropriate cross-referrals to sister agencies.
Certain occupational groups are considered mandated reporters in Ohio, required by law to report suspected and actual abuse as part of their professional duties. You do not have to be a mandated reporter to make a report. If you believe abuse is occurring, call APS. You can report anonymously if you don’t want your identity known.
Then what?
Laws in all 50 states exist to prevent elder abuse (any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult). Some laws even address self-inflicted neglect, which is the most common type of abuse investigated nationally by Adult Protective Services agencies.
In Ohio, seven types of abuse are defined by law: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, self-neglect, neglect by others, abandonment and exploitation. Those found guilty of elder abuse can be charged with misdemeanors and felonies punishable by prison time, depending on the severity of the crime; those guilty of financial abuse must also pay full restitution.
So resist the temptation to assume it can’t happen in your family. If you see something, say something. When you detect something is “off” with your older loved one—or yourself—take action to protect those vulnerable to insidious elder abuse. Once you face it, you can do something about it.
