Every Day More and More Of America’s Elderly Are Being Abused

Everyday thousands of Americas’ seniors are being abused in some form or manner. In domestic situations figure on elder abuse show that one in 14 incidents, excluding incidents of self-neglect, come to the attention of authorities. It is this lack of awareness that makes senior abuse the silent epidemic. Ignore it and you may place someone you love in jeopardy.

Year after year tens of thousands of Americans elderly are abused in their own homes, in a relatives‚and even in facilities responsible for their care. You might become suspicious that an elderly person you care about is being harmed physically or emotionally by neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver of being swindled financially. By learning the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and the options you have to act for an elderly person who is being abused, you‚will not only be helping someone else but adding to your own defenses against abuse in the future.

There are many ways in which seniors are being abused. The needs of the older person is often not met due to the active or passive neglect of the caregiver. It is the caregiver’s intent that separates active from passive neglect. When the caregiver purposely fails to meet their obligation to the older person, they are actively neglecting their obligations. With passive neglect, the failure is unintentional; often the result of caregiver either being overloaded or lacking the knowledge to fulfill their obligations.

Seniors are subject to many forms of abuse, some of which are difficult to recognize without knowing what to look for. The abuses can be physical, sexual, mental, financial, neglect or abandonment. The they can be the result of passive care or from active intent.

Family members and friends should stay alert for signs of abuse. As seniors age their physical abilities diminish their ability to stand up to attacks or bullying has been reduced. They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them. Their reduced mental or physical conditions may make them difficult to live with.

Not knowing what to look for makes signs of abuse tough to recognize and even more difficult to believe. They may be attributed to symptoms of dementia or frailty. When asked the caregiver might explain them as self imposed. Do not just take the caregiver’s word that the senior’s condition is self imposed.

Be proactive in the prevention of abuse of the elderly. Make sure family members stay informed about your condition. Often times, family members are unaware that an elderly relative has been the victim of abuse. Try to have the senior removed from the care of the abuser so he or she will be more likely do relate instances of abuse. Report your findings to the local authorities or contact the Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration hotline.

All communities have agencies that help abused seniors, make sure you locate them. Give family members a list of possible resources should they need to act on your behalf. You can call the Elder Care Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for more information