The Ugly Side Of Senior Care

While the vast majority of homes and individuals that care for senior citizens have the best interests of their patients and tenants at heart there is a dark side of senior care that people don't like to talk about. Roughly 9.5% of the senior population in the United States experiences some sort of abuse. The most common forms of abuse are manipulation, physical abuse, sexual assault, neglect, financial abuse, and emotional abuse. While most abusers are caught quickly some get away with long term elderly abuse. Recognizing the signs of abuse can help caretakers and loved ones catch and stop these abhorrent acts. Those who've placed loved ones in the care of others should ask plenty of questions before leaving anyone in the care of another. Discuss policies, the hiring and monitoring process, and of course ask for information about senior abuse. The internet is also an excellent way to educate oneself. Use it to read reviews and obtain information about a particular individual or home.

Elderly Abuse Statistics

Knowing what types of elderly abuse exists, how often it occurs, and who is victimized can be very helpful in identifying and stopping problems. Over 2 million seniors are abused each year. Sometimes this abuse is at the hands of a family member, other times the elderly are victimized by those whom are supposed to be administering them care. The most common form of elderly abuse is neglect with and over 58% of abuse victims are subjected to this form of abuse. There are many forms of neglect and loved ones/caretakers should look for undernourishment, dehydration, the need for a bath/shower, and unused prescription medicine. Interestingly enough Caucasians are abused more frequently than any other ethnicity as are elderly women. Both of these groups make up more than 60% of abuse victims.

What To Do When You Discover Abuse

Individuals may find themselves stunned and at a loss for words when they discover a loved one is being abused. Others will find themselves angry and frustrated at not only the abuse but in not knowing how to proceed. Regardless of how someone may feel upon discovering abuse it behooves them to act swiftly. Waiting can result in further abuse, trouble with litigation, and even death. Abuse should first be reported to a caretaker's employer and police should be notified as well. After those two important steps have been handled caretakers and loved ones should contact an attorney. This preemptive move makes possible future litigation much easier and can shield victims and their loved ones from intimidation tactics, bullying, threats, and bribes. Stopping abuse includes holding not just perpetrators responsible for their actions but their employers, insurance companies, and all complicit persons as well.

Stop Elder Abuse