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A Hidden Problem - Elder Abuse
By Jack Cross, Senior Cares
April 7, 2005
Rose age 64 and her husband John age 65 are well liked and have been very active in their community. John was a well-respected and successful professional in his field. Their relationship was characterized by love and support and they imagined their retirement as a chance to travel and live out their "golden years" together.
Several years ago John began to experience a marked decline in cognitive abilities and was diagnosed with Alzheimers. John has rapidly declined and although he still recognizes his wife, he no longer recognizes his friends and colleagues. They have stopped attending church services since John acted inappropriately during a service. Rose has begun to look weary and about 6 months ago had a broken wrist and a broken shoulder that is still in a sling. In each instance, she reported she had fallen.
One day Rose had to call the police for protection. Shortly after returning home from having lunch out, John wanted to go out to lunch again having forgotten they had just eaten. Rose tried to explain they had just returned, but John became agitated and Rose became frustrated. When John darted for the door, Rose tried to physically stop him from leaving. At this point, John slapped Rose away, then pushed her to the floor. Rose, fearing for her safety, called the police. Rose does not have to continue to live this way in constant fear, but she needs to seek assistance.
This is an all too familiar story and it points to a serious, but little discussed problem; abuse of elders. It is estimated that more than 2.1 million elders in the U.S. are abused or neglected each year. But elder abuse too often remains a hidden problem. By some estimates only one in 14 incidents of elder abuse are reported. Mistreatment of elders can include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect or financial exploitation by family members or others with an ongoing personal relationship.
According to Trisha Lane, Program Manager for Elder Protective Services at Minuteman Senior Services, 5 percent of seniors will be abused, neglected or financially exploited and only 10 percent of these cases will be identified and referred for help or assistance. The number of new confirmed cases in MA increased 10.4 percent from 2004 to 2005.
According to Lane, there are 5 categories of elder abuse:
Physical Abuse is the infliction or serious threat of serious physical injury to an elder by an individual with an on-going personal relationship with the elder. This would include spouses (58 percent of the cases), children (24 percent of the cases), siblings, niece/nephew, friends or neighbors.
Sexual Abuse includes any form of sexual contact or activity without the elder's consent by an individual with an on-going personal relationship with the elder or where the elder is incapable of providing adequate consent.
Emotional Abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation or other verbal or non-verbal conduct by an individual with an on-going personal relationship with the elder.
Neglect involves the failure or refusal by a caretaker to provide one or more of the necessities essential for physical well-being.
Financial Abuse is the unauthorized use of funds or resources of an elder, which result in a substantial loss to the elder, or gain to another person who has an on-going personal relationship with the elder.
If you believe you are being abused or know someone whom you suspect is being abused, contact the Protective Services and Elder at Risk Program at Minuteman Senior Services 781-272-7177 or the statewide hot line 1-800-922-2275. If you are a victim of abuse, you may feel embarrassed and ashamed, lonely and afraid. You may feel that no one will believe you. But, you deserve the same safety, dignity, quality of life and respect as everyone else. If you are a victim seek help!
According to literature from Elder Protective Services, you should seek help if your caregiver or a family member or acquaintance: Is hurting you or threatening to hurt you Won't let you see friends, family or your doctor Is not providing food or medications (or is taking your medications) Is taking your money or things of value Is signing your name without permission Is asking you to sign papers you don't understand.
If you or someone you know is being harmed, Elder Protective Services recommends that you Tell a trusted family member, friend or religious advisor. Tell your doctor, nurse or social worker. Call the Elder Protective Services at Minuteman Senior Services (see above)
Elder Protective Services will keep your contact confidential and can: Meet with you confidentially at your home or other place you choose Help you find ways to protect yourself Help keep you safe at home Find somewhere safe for you to live, if you choose Counsel family members, if that is what you want
Senior Cares is an occasional column presenting articles and topics that we believe are informative or of interest to senior citizens and or the people who care for them. Jack Cross is president of Home Instead Senior Care a provider of companionship and home care for the elderly. He can be reached at 781-402-0060 or www.homeinstead.com.
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