What To Know About Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elderly individuals can be abused, and neglected. People don’t immediately think about the elderly, but it’s absolutely something that you should consider about this. There are some signs that you should consider in this regards, especially if you have a neighbor, friend, or family member that is older in the years. As such, consider a few notes in regards to this serious issue.

What Constitutes Abuse? 

First and foremost, it’s imperative to understand the elderly individuals don’t always have the cognitive resources to help themselves. They can be mentally and physically frail, even though they may not want to admit that. Many senior citizens have care takers and helpers, but and are susceptible to various issues. Neglecting them, hurting them by physically hitting them, withholding food and more can be difficult overall as well. These are issues that constitutes abuse.

Other forms of abuse can be found within emotional issues such as berating them in public or private, ignoring them, and more. Sexual abuse is also something that happens quite frequently, and doesn’t always come in the form of physical contact.

Financial Exploitation Problems

Aside from the physical and mental abuse that many elderly people may be subject to, there is also a financial issue at play. Financial exploitation is something that many people have to deal with. Misuse of funds, stealing money, credit cards, and much more is something that can be constituted as abuse and exploitation that occurs a great deal.

Healthcare Issues And More 

In some instances, caretakers and unethical individuals will use Medicare to create fraudulent elements. Healthcare fraud can isolate drug abuse, getting referral money, and even overcharging. Healthcare fraud and abuse run hand in hand in many cases.

Preventing Elder Abuse 

Finding ways to prevent elder abuse is a very important thing to consider. The biggest thing to do is to listen to seniors and caregivers that have concerns. Intervening is paramount, and should not be something that you hesitate about. Educating others, and make sure that you report individuals, and even services that are targeted elderly individuals is also crucial.

Elderly people may find themselves dealing with a variety of issues that could cause them to be targeted by nefarious individuals. This can be anything from depression, isolation, and difficulty with simple tasks on their own. It’s important that family members and friends should consider adult day cares, and other things that can help elderly people not stay alone or become targets of abuse. If there’s any issues that rise up, it’s imperative to report, discuss, and take action in regards to abuse.

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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.

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