Know The Signs Of Elder Abuse And Report It

Today is World Elder Abuse Day which was started in 2006 to raise awareness for the often under-reported incidents of elder abuse throughout the United States and the world. You may find it hard to believe that anyone could neglect or endanger someone who is elderly, but it happens daily and a light needs to be shone on it.

Whatever role you are playing in your loved one’s life who is aging in place you will want to be on the lookout for abuse of your own loved one or any of their friends/family members whom they may be visiting or have visiting them. Some of the signs to keep an eye out of include, but are not limited to, the following;

1.) Financial exploitation. It is a very common thing to have unscrupulous people trying to exploit an elderly person out of their life savings for their own financial gain. While it may be hard to see when this is happening, you should be on the lookout for anyone new in someone’s life and be weary of any who is requesting money.

2.) Simple neglect including things like a senior being malnourished, not receiving assistance with hygiene and not providing the right medications for the elderly person’s health needs. These items can have long-term and lasting affects on the health and well-being of an elderly person.

3.) Emotional abuse is also something that happens quite frequently. If you notice that an elderly person you are around seems depressed or withdrawn it may be a sign that she/he is being emotionally abused.

In the event that you suspect an elderly person in your life is being abused you should make note of what you are seeing and then report it to the authorities immediately. The best place you can turn is to 911, but if you don’t feel comfortable calling 911 over a suspicion you have, you can contact a local anti-abuse organization that can help you with next steps.

Elderly abuse is not something that any of us like to consider is actually happening, but unfortunately it may be happening all around you. With the introduction of World Elderly Abuse Day in 2006 we are taking a step forward in shedding light on this terrible problem that needs to be addressed.