“Caring for seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who have walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.”
Senator John Hoven
June 15th is the World Elder Abuse Awareness day established to ensure that the people who cared for us and our parents are not taken advantage of. We understand that elder abuse is wrong, yet we can be blind to the fact it may be taking place around us. The good news is there are steps we can take to help prevent abuse in our communities.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), it is estimated that 1 in 10 older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation; a number that is far to high in our society. 1 Therefore, it is important to know what elder abuse looks like and how to report it.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder Abuse is the mistreatment of or harm to an older person utilizing the possible vulnerabilities that accompany the aging process. These vulnerabilities include the increased likelihood for dementia, social isolation from friends and family, and physical dependency on others. Causes of elder abuse are extremely complex and case-specific, but some common causes are financial stress of perpetrator, lack of caregiving support for the main caregiver, and history of conflict between parties. 2
What can we do to protect yourself from Elder Abuse in the first place?
While it is certain that anyone can be victimized, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent abuse. The NCEA’s guide “Protect Yourself from Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation can be found at the following link. https://bit.ly/2UMrkVU
What can you do if you think someone is being victimized?
If you or someone you love is being victimized, report your suspicions to Adult Protective Services. Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social service program authorized to receive and investigate reports of elder or vulnerable adult maltreatment and to intervene to protect the victims to the extent possible. They are permitted to investigate the claim and determine whether there is abuse in the situation. If not, they will close the case, but, if there is abuse, they will work to develop a plan to address the victims needs and stop the abuse. 3
What are the Victims rights and protections when APS has been contacted?
As is the case with any adult, victims have the right to decline protective services unless a qualified professional determines they are unable to make decisions for themselves. In these cases, APS may need to petition the legal system to appoint a guardian or conservator, or seek a court order for involuntary protective services. It is the duty of the APS professional to exhaust all other measures before seeking involuntary protective services. 4
All client information is held in strict confidence by APS and generally may not be disclosed without a court order or a release of information signed by the client. 5
APS professionals work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults. This collaboration often takes the form of multidisciplinary teams consisting of professionals from social services, criminal and civil justice, mental health, medicine, finance, public health and other services. 6
What are some other solutions to protect our elderly?
Reporting to Adult Protection Services is the first step and can be done anonymously. Remember that their goal is to help the victim be safe. The most important action you can do once a report is initiated is to cooperate fully with the investigation. 7
Experts also identify the need for support for both caregivers and older adults. Respite care can help alleviate caregiver stress. Senior centers, social activities for older people, and other programs that integrate older people into communities can prevent social isolation and ensure that there are people involved in the lives of older people who can detect abuse when it happens. 8
Conclusions
While elder abuse is devastating, we can take steps to prevent it from happening and help those who are experiencing it. Being aware that it happens is vital to help stop perpetrators from harming our loved ones. We can support programs that continue to integrate older people in society and ensure that there are other trusted individuals in their lives. This is a large issue but not an impossible one to combat.
Disclosures
All data is provided as of June 09, 2020.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. Warner Wealth Strategies doesn’t provide research on individual equities.
This Research material was prepared by Warner Wealth Strategies. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however Warner Wealth Strategies makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
References
1, 5 National Center on Elder Abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Building Strong Support for Elders.
2, 8 Volmert, A., & and Lindland, E. “You only pray that somebody would step in”: Mapping the gaps between expert and public understandings of elder abuse in America. Washington, DC: FrameWorks Institute.
3,4,5,6,7 National Adult Protective Services Resource Center. Adult Protective Services, What You Must Know.
Other Resources
eldermistreatment.usc.edu – USC Center on Elder Mistreatment
un.org – United Nations Website
who.int/ageing/ - Would Health Organization Website